Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles says the players are ready to return to action - despite the claims of Danny Rose.

Earlier this week on loan Tottenham defender Rose said players were being treated like “lab rats".

But Lascelles gave an upbeat assessment of training in small groups while maintaining social distance, ahead of a Premier League debate on full contact training next week.

He said: “We are ready to go. We are still motivated and have nine games to finish off.

“It has been strange seeing the staff with personal protective equipment stuff on.

“It is four to a pitch so we have social distancing. It is strange, but definitely nice to get things going again.

“It has been tough being away, but there are people losing their lives and in worse situations. We have kept fit, stuck to the programme and I have had quality time with my son."

Lascelles continued: “I know black people who have had it and got rid of it straight away and been completely fine, then on the other hand you hear it is more dangerous.

“I know an elderly person, 82, black male who had it and he's been completely fine. I know another black woman who is about 60 and she was completely fine.

“Then you hear about middle-aged people with no underlying health issues dying from it. It's really confusing for me.

“We know the training ground is as safe as anything. Everyone has tested negative."