Geremi insists he remains Newcastle United's official club captain.

Geremi was recalled for the clash against Wigan after being dropped in the lacklustre draw with Derby, but lost the armband to Alan Smith.

Yet Geremi says the decision by Big Sam is only on a temporary basis, with the Cameroon midfielder set to link up with his country in the next 10 days for the African Cup of Nations in Ghana.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "Alan will be captain when I am away at the African Nations.

"The manager told me the decision for him to be captain was to get him ready for the responsibility while I'm gone.

"As far as I know that is the case."