Newcastle players train under grey skies on Spain training camp… as Steve McClaren claims Jonjo Shelvey will silence his critics

Newcastle are in La Manga, Spain for a warm weather training camp
Magpie are fighting a Premier League relegation battle this season
Steve McClaren insists that new signing Jonjo Shelvey will come good

Published:
15:25 GMT, 19 February 2016

|
Updated:
15:48 GMT, 19 February 2016

View
comments

Despite retreating to Spain for a warm weather training camp, Newcastle players were put through their paces under grey skies more usually associated with the north east of England.

The Magpies remain mired in a relegation battle in manager Steve McClaren’s debut season on Tyneside – losing 5-1 to Chelsea to languish 18th in the Premier League before jetting out to La Manga during an 18-day break in the fixture schedule.

Despite their precarious position, McClaren appeared in high spirits as he prepared players including Steven Taylor, Daryl Janmaat and Seydou Doumbia for a friendly against Norwegian side Lillestrom on Saturday.

Steve McClaren was in high spirits despite sun not shining on his Newcastle training camp

The relegation threatened club have travelled to a warm weather training camp in La Manga, Spain

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor (top) celebrates during a practice session on Friday

McClaren and goalkeeping coach Simon Smith (right) cheers on the players from the sidelines

Newcastle starlet Rolando Aarons goes up for a header under grey skies in Spain

After their supposed sunshine break, the Magpies do not have another competitive fixture until Wednesday March 2, when they travel to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City.

Meanwhile, McClaren has defended new signing Jonjo Shelvey’s stuttering start since arriving at St James’ Park during the January transfer window.

The England midfielder was mocked for his performance against Everton via social media – with Swansea director John van Zweden appearing to revel in the criticism by retweeting the comments, while former Swans star Leighton James commented: ‘(He) can’t head, can’t tackle and keeps giving the ball away.’

McClaren has an 18-day break in the fixture schedule after Newcastle were knocked out of the FA Cup

Henri Saivet gets a pat on the back from his manager as Newcastle prepare for a friendly against Lillestrom

McClaren points Holland international Daryl Janmaat (left) in the right direction during the session

McClaren faces a tough challenge to secure Newcastle’s Premier League status next season

The Toon are currently languishing in 18th place following a 5-1 by Chelsea before leaving for Spain

However, speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, McClaren said:’He has great potential. When somebody leaves the best answer for everything is what you do on the field, for Jonjo especially.

‘He’ll keep quiet and just perform.’

Shelvey is set to play against Lillestrom and admits he is looking forward to linking up with England team-mate Andros Townsend.

The 23-year-old told NUFC TV: ‘Yes, he is a great signing for the club, England international, all you have to do is give him the ball and let him do what he has got to do – he is so direct with the ball.’