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Rafa Benitez: How I really felt about welcoming Jonjo Shelvey back from suspension
NEWCASTLE boss Rafa Benitez says he had no issues welcoming Jonojo Shelvey back on his return from suspension for using racially-aggravated language towards an opponent.
Rafa Benitez happy with Jonjo Shelvey return
Shelvey was the architect of Newcaste's 3-1 FA Cup third round replay victory over Birmingham last night having sat out five games after being convicted of an FA misconduct charge.
But Benitez did not think twice about handing Shelvey, who denied the charge, the captain's armband in the absence of skipper Jamaal Lascelles.
Jonjo Shelvey had a hand in all three of Newcastle's goals
The Spaniard said: "No, because I said before when we had the hearing and everything that for us, it was a surprise.
"In the way that they were going on, it was a surprise that some players of the other team can say something and then you don't charge them and you charge our player.
Jonjo Shelvey was suspended for five games following FA charge
"For us, it doesn't change anything."
Shelvey had a hand in all three goals, with a double from Matt Ritchie and a second-half strike from Yoan Gouffran enough to beat Championship rivals Birmingham.
Benitez added: "He's a good player, if he concentrates on his football, he can make the difference."