Steve Bruce reveals his thoughts on the Newcastle United captaincy with Jonjo Shelvey the frontrunner for the armband

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on November 02, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles is set to be out for at least six weeks with a broken fibula suffered in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth before the international break.

And as a result United head to Villa Park without a permanent holder of the armband.

Discussing the prospect of the new skipper, Bruce said: “Good question. Who is the most experienced? I've got another decision to make. Honestly, I've not even thought about it.”

When asked about Shelvey wearing it given he’s the usual stand in, Bruce added: “That seems to be the normal one - to put it on him, and I've got no problem with that.”

According to Bruce, Shelvey is a little misunderstood as a player.

The perception of Shelvey among many in the United fanbase is that the player lacks drive, passion and desire as well as appearing to do less running than those around him.

Bruce says this could not be further from the truth.

He explains: “I think Jonjo carried an injury for a while and tried to just play through it and play with it and I think it's it's hampered him for a while.

“His physicality was terrific in the last two games. this perception that he can't run is not right. So I think he's fit and now he's got to hit their levels and if he hits them levels with me then he'll be fine because we all know the ability he's got, it's the other side which you know he has to do and he's done it.

“He's got this perception about him that is he doesn't care - that's wrong. He's a good pro, he's a good lad, and he's popular. He trains well and I've got no problem. And if it seems to be that I won't upset that, then we'll give it to him.”