U-turn decision made on midfielder - just months after agreeing Newcastle United transfer

Jonjo Shelvey is set to return to Nottingham Forest’s matchday squad after moving on from last week’s disagreement with Steve Cooper.

The Reds boss held a team meeting ahead of the trip to Liverpool last Saturday and told Shelvey he would be on the bench for the second successive Premier League match.

As widely reported, that provoked an angry response from Shelvey and as a result has been left out of the squad for the last two games against Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Forest lost 3-2 at Anfield but bounced back in midweek to exit the relegation places via a 3-1 victory over European-chasing Brighton.

Cooper has played down the incident and says Shelvey will be available for this afternoon’s clash at Brentford.

Asked if the former Newcastle man was left out versus Brighton because of his behaviour, Cooper said: “And a knock, to be honest. Sometimes things are not exactly what they are and we have to accept that’s the case.

“Everyone is good. We are looking forward. He is really well-liked in the dressing room, and we need everybody in the situation we are in and with the injuries we are picking up.

“There is no ill-feeling in any way, shape or form, regardless of what may or may not have been said. We just need everyone to stick together and get behind everybody. That’s what we’re doing.

“Jonjo is available. He was carrying a knock last week and there were one or two other things.

“It wasn’t as much of a drama as was said. In some ways it was a normal training ground thing. But it is past us, everybody is good and we are looking forward to going to Brentford. He is 100 per cent available.”

Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe wanted Shelvey to remain on Tyneside but respected the midfielder’s wishes to pursue the move to the City Ground. Shelvey put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

“I heard of Forest’s interest and it was something that caught my eye. I went in to see the manager at Newcastle and asked if they’d let me go. I got told no at first!” Shelvey said.

“I think he wanted to keep me around the training ground and stuff like that but I needed a fresh start and a new challenge. Luckily I’ve found a club in Nottingham Forest that was willing to come in and take me.

“It’s a club on the up and really excites me. I knew a few of the players and coaching staff already. It was nice that I knew people here already and once I’d spoken to them, it was a no-brainer.”

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.