'Don't call me lazy!': Jonjo Shelvey hits back at critics as he targets new Newcastle United deal

Stand-in captain Shelvey scored an 88th-minute equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The midfielder – whose performances had come under fire from fans for his performance in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa a week ago – had spoken about his social critics before the Premier League game.

In an interview with the club’s matchday programme, Shelvey said: “People hide behind keyboards and things like that, and it is what it is – you’re going to get that. That’s never ever going to stop in football. You just need to ignore it.”

Head coach Steve Bruce had resisted calls for him to drop Shelvey, and the 27-year-old repaid him with a superb performance.

Speaking after the final whistle, Shelvey told NUFC TV: “You obviously get labelled as lazy, but if someone calls me lazy after that they really need to have a look at themselves. Listen, I don’t care what people say. As long as I’m putting in the performances in the gaffer’s eyes and my eyes that’s all that matters.”

Shelvey, out of contract in 2021, is playing for a new deal.

The 27-year-old said: "I’m playing for a new contract now. I want to stay here, and hopefully a contract will be sorted.”

Shelvey is on course for his best goal haul at Newcastle. He said: “It’s just nice to get some goals. I don’t think I’ve every had three goals so quick in a season.”