Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has Norwich City in his sights

Newcastle United's Jonjo Shelvey. Picture: PA (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

The £12million January signing is standing in as captain for the Magpies while skipper Fabricio Coloccini is out injured and believes the trip to Carrow Road next Saturday can help spark his side's survival push.

'We go to Norwich after the international break and I think that's our chance to really go and show what we're about, and get three points,' Shelvey said.

'I'm sure Rafa will come up with a game plan because that's what he does. He comes up with game plans and he's a great organiser of teams.'

The Spaniard, who led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, succeeded Steve McClaren earlier this month. His reign started with a narrow 1-0 loss at leaders Leicester City and a 1-1 home draw with bitter rivals Sunderland.

That result saw both North-East teams fall behind Norwich in the relegation running, with City currently occupying the final safety spot, two points ahead of Sunderland and three clear of Newcastle.

'He got us going at half-time (from 1-0 down against Sunderland) which is what we needed,' Shelvey, said, speaking to The Shields Gazette.

'I'm sure we will go to Norwich and give a good account of ourselves.'

The former Swansea midfielder has not been included in the England squad for friendlies against Germany and Holland – leaving him free to concentrate on his team's trip to Norfolk on April 2.

'There will be a few double sessions coming up. It's a good chance to really knuckle down,' the 24-year-old added.

'We've not had much time since he (Benitez) came in because everything has been a bit rushed, so it will be nice to have a few weeks with him to get his ideas across properly.'

The Magpies' problems at left-back have continued ahead of the game however, with Massadio Haidara twisting his knee in training to add to Paul Dummett's hamstring injury and Jack Colback's two-game ban.