Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey says he'd back himself against Bruno Guimaraes.

Shelvey is happy fighting his place at the Magpies.

He said, "I wouldn't say it was because of players coming in, I back myself against any player. I know my ability - everyone knows what I can do with a football. It's just me keeping fit and showing the gaffer every day in training.

"Don't get me wrong, Bruno is a fantastic footballer, but there are going to be even more fantastic footballers joining the club - you have to raise your game constantly every day and strive to be better. Since I've been here, it's the strongest the squad has been, and I just want to be part of it. I back myself to do that.

"With the way the game is going, you've got to get on board or you fall by the wayside. A lot of the game is now based on stats, which may be right or wrong, but that's the way it is. If I didn't buy into it, I'd be out the door."