Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has claimed that Jonjo Shelvey has the potential to be a "top-quality" player after he inspired the Magpies to victory on his debut this afternoon.
Shelvey played a major part in both of his side's goals in their 2-1 win over West Ham United, helping them to climb out of the relegation zone just days after completing a £12m move from Swansea City.
McClaren was delighted with his new signing's contribution, and played down a clash off the ball with West Ham's Enner Valencia which could be looked at by the Football Association.
"You always worry, the first game. Will he blend in? Will he fit into the team, the balance? It was a perfect balance. That first pass forward created the first goal and that cross-field just gives you, because of the speed of it, that extra two seconds that the defence can't recover," McClaren told reporters.
"That's the difference between top-quality midfield players and average ones. He's got the potential to be top. There's a long way to go, but it's a nice start. I have seen [the clash with Valencia]. It was more handbags. Come on - we're a contact sport. It was shoulder to shoulder and he couldn't move Jonjo Shelvey.
"I have watched it. Let's just talk about the game, not stupid little incidents that might make headlines. The headlines should be about the game, should be about the three points and should be about the win, more positive than that."
Newcastle's victory was their first in a Saturday 3pm kickoff since February of last year.
Barney Corkhill
