This is why Steve Bruce left Jonjo Shelvey on Newcastle United's bench

Steve Bruce named Jonjo Shelvey on his bench at Goodison Park – but he couldn’t call on the midfielder.

Published 22nd Jan 2020, 17:00 BST- 1 min read

Updated 22nd Jan 2020, 17:00 BST

Bruce sent on three defenders against Everton last night as his Newcastle United team trailed by two goals. One of those substitutes, Florian Lejeune, scored two injury-time goals to claim a remarkable point from a 2-2 draw.

Bruce, United’s injury-hit head coach, had wanted to send on Shelvey, who suffered an injury in the New Year’s Day defeat to Leicester City and returned a fortnight later. However, the midfielder “wasn’t right”.

“Joe (Joelinton) was struggling with an injury,” said Bruce. “I’m looking round (at) what I’ve got behind me. We’ve got no strikers, really.

“I wouldn’t want to put Jonjo on. He wasn’t right. I’m asking people to play out of position. But they’ve stuck at it. If anybody deserves a couple of goals, Big Flo as well with the problems he’s had. The attitude I can’t fault.”