Matt Ritchie reacts to 'unbelievable' behind-the-scenes measures at Newcastle United

Ritchie and his team-mates this week reported back for small-group, socially-distanced training as part of the first phase of a plan get restart top-flight football, which was suspended in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Steve Bruce’s players will be tested for the virus every week as they work towards a proposed mid-June restart.

And winger Ritchie told talkSPORT: “The procedure put in place at Newcastle, and I think it’s the same at all the clubs, is unbelievable. We’re in a privileged position now, because we’re social distancing until the Government and Premier League can agree it’s safe to move on to phase two (contact training). We’re privileged, and in a great position. We’re getting to train and get back to work.”

Newcastle defender Danny Rose, however, has labelled footballers as “lab rats”.