Jamaal Lascelles has stated that he is honoured to have been handed the Newcastle United captaincy.

Lascelles captained Newcastle throughout their pre-season campaign following the departure of the long serving Fabricio Coloccini and it was confirmed on Thursday that the young defender has officially been appointed the Magpies' skipper.

Being handed the armband at the age of just 22 is certainly a huge achievement for Lascelles and the former Nottingham Forest man has gone on to speak about his pride at being given the responsibility by former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Benitez of leading out Newcastle.

Lascelles told nufc.co.uk: "It's an unbelievable feeling for a manager like Rafa Benitez to give me the captain's armband at a club like this.

"It is a lot of responsibility for a young player but I will always give my all because I want what is best for the team and the club.

"It is such a proud moment for me and the biggest in my career so far. It is nice for someone to show that much trust in you, and I want to repay the manager's faith by leading this team back into the Premier League."