Jamaal Lascelles set to be named Newcastle captain

The club will today reveal the player that manager Rafa Benitez has chosen to skipper the team in the Championship.

And Newcastle will also list the new squad numbers.

Benitez WILL hand the No9 jersey left vacant by the departure of Papiss Cisse to a player, with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dwight Gayle the leading candidates for the shirt.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Benitez said the identity of the new captain – who will succeed Fabricio Coloccini in the role – was “not rocket science”.

Lascelles – who emerged as a dressing-room leader late last season – has captained United throughout pre-season.

And the 22-year-old is set to lead the team out against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night in the club’s season-opener.

Asked about the captaincy by the Gazette last month, Lascelles said: “Honestly, it’s the best feeling ever, especially when a manager such as Rafa Benitez gives you it.

“I’m really proud to wear it. Whoever he decides to pick at the start of the season, it’s totally fine, and I’ll back him up.

“But I’d love to take on the responsibility.

“Obviously, it would be a massive weight on my shoulders, but there’s no reason why I can’t deal with it.”

Moussa Sissoko and Jonjo Shelvey also wore the captain’s armband last season, but neither is a contender to skipper the team in the coming campaign.