Colback: Newcastle boosted by Shelvey impact

Jack Colback has hailed the impact of Jonjo Shelvey at Newcastle, even though he accepts it means he’ll have to raise his game to retain his own place.

Shelvey was involved in both goals as the Magpies beat West Ham 2-1 at St James Park on Saturday to boost their hopes of staying in the Premier League this season.

And Colback insists the addition of former Liverpool and Swansea man Shelvey can make an enormous difference to Newcastle moving forward.

“It always gives everyone around the club a lift,” he told the Evening Chronicle. “Jonjo was instrumental for the two goals. Credit to him, it was a great start.

“We’ve had a few little run-ins down the line. He’s a competitor on the pitch, and it’s good to have someone like that on the team.

“He’s a good character around the place and he’s shown what he’s all about.

“He’s a good player. You’re only as good as the team you’re in, and he adds a lot to the team.

Colback finished the game against the Hammers at left back after Paul Dummett limped off feeling his hamstring.

Dummett is expected to be fit enough to retain his place this weekend against Watford, freeing Colback to return to the centre of midfield, though he accepts United’s recent acquisitions of Shelvey and Henri Saivet mean he can no longer take his position in the side for granted.

“All you can concentrate on doing is your own job,” he added.

“The competition is there and you know you’ve got to perform, otherwise there’s someone there to step in.”