Jamaal Lascelles reveals the Newcastle United player who has stepped up to become his 'Project Restart No2'

SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 10: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United (L) and Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United (R) appeal for a penalty during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Newcastle United at Liberty Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Negotiations to get Premier League football up and running have included Zoom calls to other top flight captains, league representatives and other managers – and Lascelles has allowed teammate Matt Ritchie to help out through the crisis.

“I’ve obviously never been in this situation before,” said Lascelles.

“We’re talking to other captains in the Premier League and loads of different people.

“I’ve managed to get Matt Ritchie involved in the Zoom calls. He’s a little bit older and smart.

“I’ve always worn the armband, but since I’ve had the armband he’s always been my right-hand man in terms of off-the-pitch stuff. He’s played a massive part.

“It has been a bit stressful, to be honest.”

Newcastle returned to training this week with top flight football pencilled in for a June 12 return.