Moussa Sissoko scored Newcastle's second goal against Swansea, having been made captain

Rafa Benitez chose Moussa Sissoko as his Newcastle captain in Saturday's 3-0 win over Swansea due to his "big influence" over the French contingent in the squad.

Sissoko played a key role in the impressive home victory and he repaid the manager's faith by finding the net for the first time this season.

"I wanted to give Sissoko some confidence," Benitez said. "We also have a lot of players who talk French and Sissoko has big influence with them.

"They see him as a big name. So, if he's performing well, they will follow him."

The introduction of Sissoko as captain meant Jonjo Shelvey dropped to the bench against his former club Swansea, but the midfielder refused to criticise his new boss.

Rafa Benitez praised the Newcastle fans for supporting his players after they beat Swansea 3-0 at St James' Park Rafa Benitez praised the Newcastle fans for supporting his players after they beat Swansea 3-0 at St James' Park

"I was a bit surprised and frustrated to be left out against my old club, but I think he [Benitez] knows what he's doing," Shelvey said.

"It's going to be tough but we've got real belief now," the midfielder added.

Jonjo Shelvey started on the bench against Swansea

Newcastle will be looking to pick up more crucial points in there next game against an in-form Manchester City on Tuesday night at St James' Park, live on Sky Sports 1.

"City are exceptional but, if we press them high up the pitch, like we did against Swansea, we'll get chances," Shelvey said.