Steve Bruce is hoping that Jonjo Shelvey will return feeling refreshed and ready to play one of his best games of the season against Manchester United on Saturday night.
The midfielder had mixed form in the opening segment of the season but lifted his game to score a stunning individual goal at Newport County to rescue his side from a League Cup exit in Wales before a good display in the 3-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League.
Shelvey's celebration at Newport - when he ran past the Press box and appeared to shush reporters - was one of the talking points before the international break, but Bruce feels he is getting back to his best in a Newcastle shirt.
Bruce told Chronicle Live: "Listen, we all know that he can find a pass and pick a pass and when Jonjo's right and he's playing well – and we all know the ability he's got.
"The thing with Jonjo is to keep him focused and keep him well because he's got the capability of big numbers physically, which I don't think he realised he had, so he's improved in that respect.
"I was pleased the way he passed it vs Burnley, he did very well."
