Jonjo Shelvey's return from a five-game suspension has given Championship leaders Newcastle United a major boost, manager Rafael Benitez has said.
The 24-year-old midfielder returned for Newcastle's FA Cup third-round victory over Birmingham on Wednesday.
Benitez told BBC Newcastle: "We know he is an important player for us and there are not too many players like him.
"Quality in the middle can make a difference. It was really important and a big boost for the team."
Shelvey was found guilty of using racially abusive language by an independent panel, a charge relating to a game against Wolves in September, and he last played for the Magpies in a 2-1 win at Burton on 17 December.