Jonjo Shelvey looks set to replace sidelined Jamaal Lascelles as captain when Newcastle take on Aston Villa tonight.
The Athletic report that Steve Bruce will put his faith in the former England international to lead the way, with the midfielder taking the armband off the injured skipper against Bournemouth last time out.
Chris Waugh, formerly of The Chronicle but now covering North East matters for The Athletic, also revealed that Paul Dummett was considered for the armband, with he and Shelvey ‘privately’ known to be the two ‘vice captains’ at the club.
Shelvey last started a game with the captain’s armband on the opening day of the 2017/18 season but was sent off for a stamp on Dele Alli in a game which Newcastle went on to lose 2-0.
This led to Rafa Benitez never really having the same trust in Shelvey for the rest of his time on Tyneside, and with many deeming him to be a ‘hothead’ for his disciplinary issues throughout his career, this seems a big call for Bruce to make.
That said, Shelvey seemed to benefit from taking the armband last time out, with him putting in a hard working, mature and disciplined display in our 2-1 win over. Bournemouth
Whether he is walking Newcastle United out tonight as captain or not, it seems clear Shelvey is one of the biggest characters in the dressing room, but it’ll be vital that he steps up tonight (both on and off the ball) against a Villa side with real energy in midfield.
Inconsistency has been an issue for Shelvey, but et’s hope he’s at it once again tonight!
