Geremi insists the Newcastle United captaincy doesn't mean an automatic place in manager Sam Allardyce's first team.

"Being captain doesn't mean you're in the side every week," explained the Cameroon hero, who has started and finished all five first-team fixtures this season. "You still have to work and you still have to earn your place. Being captain is a responsible job. You have to be the man and set a good example.

"I decided to leave Chelsea because I wanted to join a club where I would get more games. I wasn't a regular in the team at Chelsea and, when I got the chance to come here, I didn't have to think for long. I spoke to the manager and he told me his plans and I agreed to come. It wasn't a difficult decision. I was delighted when he made me his captain. But I won't be in the Newcastle team unless I deserve to be."