RAFA BENITEZ has admitted Ayoze Perez has had to learn to deal with criticism from Newcastle United supporters – and proven he can handle it.

For the second game this season when Perez has scored, the Spanish forward seemed to make reference to the jibes by cupping his ears during his celebration against Wolves last Sunday.

His goal might not have been enough to prevent defeat but it was a decent header that reminded supporters and his team-mates he has the ability to score on the Premier League stage.

Benitez said: “At the moment, maybe Ayoze was not very happy, but after he realised that he has to carry on. The players are clever enough and they know their reaction so they know what they have to do.”

The Newcastle boss added: “He had some chances and he missed some chances but still he carried on and I told him and a lot of the others after games and in training, if you miss a chance, what can you do to change the situation? You have to try again.

“You can’t hide because then you can’t change the situation. If you make a bad cross, then try again. If you do three bad in a row, how can you change that? With another one. It’s simple.”

Newcastle supporters have been treated to some legendary attacking talents over the years and Benitez thinks that can make it difficult for non-prolific forwards such as Perez.

The Newcastle boss said: “The fans when they talk about strikers they remember Alan Shearer and all his goals. At the same time, in a team that cannot create as many chances, they have to work, and Ayoze is working hard for the team.

“I don’t say he’s always perfect but if you analyse what we have, sometimes he’s doing a job for the team and helping the team to get points.”

The standard of performances delivered by Perez’s team-mate Jamaal Lascelles has also received greater criticism in recent weeks, particularly after the captain was culpable for Wolves’ two goals last week.

Benitez said: “He has reacted really well this week. He was trying to pay attention to little things in training.

“Normally when you have players who know they have done little things wrong and you know you are not playing at the level you are usually playing, you have to pay attention to little details that can give you the confidence back.

“We were all a little upset, but we just have to be sure that we cannot make these kind of mistakes and that we get back to playing well like we have been.”

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