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Rafa Benitez has explained why he called Jonjo Shelvey to the touchline during the celebrations for Newcastle’s opening goal at Derby County.

While Yoan Gouffran was enjoying his wonder strike against the Rams, Benitez summoned Shelvey to the dugout. Benitez was spotted again at the final whistle speaking closely with Shelvey after another solid midfield display from the ex-Liverpool man.

Talking about his actions, Benitez said: “During the game when you score a goal is when you have some time to talk to the players.

“You can get close and explain two or three little things you need to correct or encourage. After the game everybody was happy and going to see the fans to say thank you.

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“At that time you can say one thing maybe, and then leave them to enjoy. We just spoke about little things because we changes the system and what they needed to understand what we were looking for.”

Benitez has confidence in Shelvey and feels he can get better game by game.

Shelvey scored a first class free-kick in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and followed it up with a sturdy performance against the Rams.

In that game Shelvey had 77 touches and provided an assist for Gouffran as well as having a big hand in the game sealing goal for DeAndre Yedlin.

Benitez said: “I think he knows his strengths and also his problems. He’s working on that and improving.

“I think he worked very hard during the summer to try to be fit. At the beginning of the season you could see that in the training sessions.

“Then he had more confidence. He is playing better and his first goal was massive for him too.

“There’s a lot of positives, little by little he is learning things about his game and that is positive about his future too.”