Jamaal Lascelles talks of 'pride' after being handed captain's armband at Newcastle

Lascelles – who wore the armband in pre-season – he has been appointed full-time skipper by manager Rafa Benitez.

And the 22-year-old will lead the team out in the Championship opener against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

The defender said: "It's an unbelievable feeling for a manager like Rafa Benitez to give me the captain's armband at a club like this.

"It is a lot of responsibility for a young player, but I will always give my all because I want what is best for the team and the club.

"It is such a proud moment for me and the biggest in my career so far.

"It is nice for someone to show that much trust in you, and I want to repay the manager's faith by leading this team back into the Premier League."

Benitez added: "We have a few players now in the squad who have the character to be captain, but Jamaal has proven himself to be a leader and a big personality in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"At the end of last season he really developed as a character and a man.

"I am pleased that Jamaal will be our captain, but I have also said to other players that they must too show their character, strength and leadership qualities to support the team."