Newcastle United's Wijnaldum looking to take frustration out on Liverpool

Wijnaldum was left out of Rafa Benitez’s starting XI for Tuesday night’s home game against Manchester City.

But the midfielder came off the bench late in the game with the score level at 1-1.

And had Wijnaldum converted his late chance, which was saved by Joe Jart, Newcastle would have climbed out of the bottom three ahead of this afternoon’s game against Liverpool at Anfield.

Asked about his late cameo, the 25-year-old said: “I would have been happier if I’d scored a goal.

“I had the opportunity to score and I didn’t, so I’m disappointed about that.

“It’s about the team keeping going now though, and getting the points we need.”

Wijnaldum, without a goal since January, had been left out by Benitez after a poor run of form.

Second-bottom Newcastle are two points behind 17th-placed Norwich City in the Premier League, and they play twice before Alex Neil’s side return to the field.

The challenge for United – who entertain Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace at St James’s Park a week today – is to overtake them in the meantime.

Wijnaldum said: “That’s very important, because if you win then you put the pressure on Norwich and even Sunderland too, which is a good thing at this stage.

“We need to keep going and keep collecting points every game.”

Benitez’s players were given a standing ovation after the City game, having had the better of Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

The result followed a 3-0 home success over Swansea City, the club’s first win under new manager Benitez.

“Of course, it’s good to get four points from two games,” said the Holland international.

“Also, it was against a big opponent in Manchester City so I think it’s a good result, though we had chances to win it. We needed these points though.

“We have showed character across these last two games and we must show more going forward.

“Earlier in the season, we went on a run of collecting seven points from three games at one point, I think, but then it went wrong again.

“We can’t afford to let that happen now.

“We have to make sure we keep this form like this, no more setbacks.”