NEWCASTLE manager Eddie Howe has backed Jonjo Shelvey after he issued a public apology for his performance against Albion.

Brighton and Hove Albion lost 2-1 to Newcastle United on Saturday at St. James' Park.

Despite victory for the home side, Shelvey, who has captained the Magpies in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier, issued an apology for his display via the club’s Twitter account.

Howe said while he would have preferred the 30-year-old to keep his apology internal, he was happy with the player’s commitment to the cause.

“I’ve got no problem with him expressing that in a good way. Jonjo sets very high standards for himself, and I think he’s maybe been a little harsh on himself. I don’t have an issue with him,” he said.

“It probably wasn’t the game he wanted it to be, and we wanted it to be. The result was, but the actual manner of the performance. We probably didn’t see the best of Jonjo on the ball, which is probably his hallmark and best asset, which is probably where he was going with it.

“I like the accountability and responsibility. It shows the leadership of Jonjo.

The Argus: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (right) and Jonjo Shelvey Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (right) and Jonjo Shelvey

“My own personal opinion is you’re probably better off keeping it internal. But if you feel the need to express that, then I’m not in a position to stop that and I wouldn’t want to stop that.

“Dealing with things internally is where I would have been as a player myself. But times have changed, and you have to move with the times.”

Goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schär were enough to pick up the three points, despite a second half goal from Lewis Dunk.

Albion are without a win in four league matches and next face Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.  

Newcastle face Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium in a fixture which has been rearranged – much to the annoyance of Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl – following its postponement in January after coronavirus and injuries severely depleted Howe’s squad.

Newcastle have since significantly strengthened their team and Hasenhuttl has voiced the opinion that new recruits should not be allowed to figure in rescheduled fixtures.

Howe said: “Obviously somebody thinks so because we are allowed to.

“We are just following the protocols that we have been set and we’re delighted to play our new players. They have done very well for us and made a difference.”