Danny Higginbotham has praised the work ethic and ability of Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The centre-back was given the armband by Rafa Benitez soon after he became manager and he has turned into a true leader.

While he is only 24, he has always led his teammates by example on the pitch and during training.

And his former teammate Higginbotham, now a pundit, is full of praise for the defender.

"He leads my example, and he's a strong, physical player," Higginbotham told Sky Sports News.

"The one thing that stood about him [when we were playing together at Forest] is that he wanted to learn.

"He's grown into that [leader] role at Newcastle and the fans absolutely love him."