Jonjo Shelvey to get even better after impressive Newcastle debut, says Steve McClaren

Steve McClaren says England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey will get even better following his impressive debut in Newcastle’s 2-1 win against West Ham.

Signed from Swansea for £12m earlier this week, Shelvey had a hand in both goals as Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum fired Newcastle out of the relegation zone.

McClaren, who has also brought in Henri Saivet during the transfer window, was full of praise for the part Shelvey played on his debut at St James' Park.

"Jonjo [Shelvey] showed his quality," McClaren told Sky Sports.

"In our team we've got good players around him and he will get better and better. But I thought his performance was very good."

Despite his impressive performance, Shelvey was involved in an off-the-ball incident with West Ham striker Enner Valencia which did not appear to be spotted by referee Neil Swarbrick.

However, McClaren defended Shelvey, saying he did not see anything in the incident.

"I have seen it. It was more handbags," he said. "It was shoulder-to-shoulder. It's normal, it's football. It's a contact sport and we showed a great determination throughout the game."

"I have watched it. Let's just talk about the game, not stupid little incidents that might make headlines. The headlines should be about the game, should be about the three points and should be about the win, more positive than that."

Substitute Nikica Jelavic pulled a goal back for West Ham immediately after half-time as Slaven Bilic's side made it a nervy second half for Newcastle.

But the home side held on to earn what McClaren called a crucial three points to move out of the relegation zone.

"It shouldn't have been close," he said. "We had great intensity and tempo. We nearly blew them away but credit to them they stayed in the game.

"In the second half we gifted them a goal but we never got nervous. We kept our composure and played football."

He added: "We had so many chances in the second half to get that third goal. It never came but we defended well and saw the game through.

"It was a good performance. It's been a tough week but we've ended it well."