Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has admitted the captaincy issue will only be decided when the Toon squad returns for pre-season training. In Nicky Butt's absence last season Alan Smith got the nod, and then when Smith was not in the side, Kevin Nolan was captain.

"The captaincy hasn't been decided yet - it's something that we'll make a decision on when we get back for pre-season.

"I know it is a very privileged position to be the captain of a club like Newcastle United and we will discuss all sorts of things before making the decision.

"I'm sure there are a lot of the lads who would like to be considered for it. What we have in Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan are two players who were very much involved last season and who had experience of being the captain last season.

"Alan had it on most occasions but Kevin also had the honour a few times towards the end of the season and both of them coped with it very well.

"It's something we'll talk about and make a decision on.

"But to be honest, I don't think it is too important because we have a lot of players with experience and who take responsibility, which we saw in the Championship last season."