Newcastle United legend Malcom Macdonald says skipper Jamaal Lascelles needs to earn his return to the starting XI.

Supermac wrote for the Evening Chronicle: "I never thought I would say this but even if Jamaal Lascelles is fit to play at Burnley a week on Monday I would still leave him out.

"What? United's majestic skipper? The guy who has just signed a contract longer than the A1?

"To many he's Newcastle's best player or at least the most influential but, yes, I wouldn't rush him back.

"Instead I would stick with Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez because what I've seen in the last one and a half games not only laid the foundations for two victories but looked a blossoming partnership full of promise."