FOR a player hurtling quickly towards his 200th appearance in professional football, Jonjo Shelvey has done a lot of growing up and feels he has had to for Newcastle United to benefit from his talent.

He has become a key player in the midfield sent out by Rafael Benitez this season and he is likely to remain an important figure in the push for promotion.

But rather than expect to be in the team – like he may have done earlier in his career, even last season after his £12m switch from Swansea City – the penny appears to have dropped with Shelvey, who has suddenly realised only he will ensure he stays in the side.

The 24-year-old, who harbours hopes of adding to his England caps over the longer term, has been seen as a something of a volatile figure for the way he left the Swans, where there were suggestions he had fallen out with previous boss Garry Monk.

But Shelvey is in a good place right now, and is certain Newcastle fans will see the best of him as he looks to guide the club back to the Premier League.

He said: “The difference has been more physically. If you feel better physically fit then you will be mentally better as well. I am not the same person as well because I have grown up so much more.

“I feel more confident and fearless to what I was. I have always been a confident person, you have to be when you have a bald head and have Alopecia.

“There will be times when I am not in the 11 but Rafa has helped me understand that and in terms of that he is a very good manager.

“I have probably always been a player who needs to feel loved, need an arm around me. As I am getting older I have felt that’s a bit childish, that’s not the way to be in life. You don’t need someone to say well done if you have. You should know.”

After being left out of the game at Fulham back in August, Shelvey’s impact has been significant. While he could have had a greater say in matches for the full 90 minutes, he has still scored three times and logged three assists.

Newcastle head into this afternoon’s visit of Brentford knowing a top two place is within their grasp and that is the place being targeted at the end of the season. The atmosphere inside of the club and around Tyneside is noticeable for a player who only arrived ten months ago.

Shelvey said: “I think the Championship isn’t just helping me, it is helping the club. There is a buzz around the city, speaking to people around the city and the club, the city has missed that love of football and the club but I feel we have got the fans back on side.

“We are starting to win games on a regular basis and if we go up then it is exciting times for the club.

“I am quite vocal in the dressing room to try to help the cause. I feel a bit more of a leader than I have before. I have been at some big clubs, played in the Premier League with Swansea, so I have got the experience.

“We are a young team when you look at the squad, but I do have the experience and know-how to get the best out of each individual in this league.”

Newcastle have had a two week break since leaving Rotherham with three points because of the international break but there is satisfaction at where they sit in the Championship.

“We are in and around where want to be, it would be nice to be a bit higher but Huddersfield have surprised a few teams,” said the former Charlton and Liverpool youngster.

“If we keep doing what we are doing and collecting points then we will be fine. We are doing well, winning games away from home, we need to tidy up on a few edges at home.

“The break has been a bit boring without games but it’s been nice to knuckle down on the training pitch. It is nice to get a rest sometimes, we got a few days off to relax the legs as well and recuperate.

“You do like to keep playing when you are winning but the break is nice to prepare for the next game.

“I am happier too. More confident. I feel like I can get on the ball, dictate play and move the ball forward. That’s my first thought to look forward, we need that and hopefully I can help the team with that.

“The gaffer opted for strength and power with Jack Colback, Cheik Tiote and Moussa Sissoko in midfield last season, but I know what is required in the Championship too because I know this league.

“I have obviously played in the Premier League for a few years since, but I know what English football is about and I can bring that to this team. The gaffer has thought that too and supported me.”