Ex-Newcastle United scores from own half in Turkey - supporters dare to ask loan question amid injury woes

Former Newcastle United star Jonjo Shelvey has got the footballing world talking after scoring a worldie of a goal for Turkish side Rizespor.

The physical midfielder spent seven years at St James' Park, playing more times for the Magpies than any other club in his career, but completed a transfer move to Nottingham Forest in January having struggled to maintain a place in Eddie Howe's side once new arrivals had come in.

His time at the City Ground didn't get off to the best start with the midfielder reportedly falling out with Forest boss Steve Cooper after being benched against Liverpool in April and it was unsurprising to see him shipped out on loan to Turkey for this season.

Little had been heard of the 31-year-old since his move to Rizespor but, all of a sudden, the former Magpie has set social media alight. In a match against Istanbulspor on Sunday, Shelvey fired a pitch-perfect shot from his own half over the head of opposition keeper David Jensen to open the scoring in the fifth minute.

A beauty of the goal, Shelvey looked as if he couldn't believe the strike himself momentarily before whipping out his trademark glasses celebration, which Newcastle United supporters only witnessed 18 times in 202 appearances. The goal was the star's first since joining the Turkish side and came in his eighth appearance this campaign.

Magpies fans were many of those commenting on the clip online, some joking that with the side's current injury-struck midfield, Shelvey might be a handy loan signing to bag some similar goals in the Premier League. "Wonder could we get him on loan in January," one dared to venture.

One X user said: "This is like the hole-in-one of football. It’s lowkey the goal every player wants to add to their collection."

Another said: "If you watch a full 90 of Jonjo Shelvey, you'll see at least two halfway line attempts a game. Not even impressed just law of averages."