Alan Smith has spoken of his pride at being asked to wear the Newcastle United captain's armband.
Striker honoured to be Magpies' skipper
Alan Smith has spoken of his pride at being asked to wear the Newcastle United captain's armband.
The striker only moved to St James' Park during the summer, but he led the side out against Derby on Sunday in the absence of club captain Geremi.
The honour now means that Smith has skippered each of the three clubs which he has played for, and with Geremi set to represent Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations, there is every chance that he will be asked to skipper the Magpies again in the future.
Leader
"It's a massive honour for me," said the England international.
"I have captained all three clubs I have been at, Leeds United, Manchester United and Newcastle now.
"As a captain, you know what's wanted from yourself and what you can demand from others.
"That's part of growing up as a footballer, to be honest. People see you as someone other people can follow.
Commitment
"When I play, it is not about ranting and raving and going on, it is about playing with a commitment and a desire that other people want to follow themselves and set an example for everyone else.
"It gives you that extra lift. It is not like you are carrying the rest of the team, but you are the focal point because you are wearing the armband.
"You have to make sure that you are 100 per cent week in, week out and not let your standards drop."
Allardyce
Newcastle go to the JJB to take on Wigan on Boxing day, and manager Sam Allardyce is hoping that his side will put the disappointment of the 2-2 draw with Derby behind them and go into the New Year in a confident mood.
"The Christmas period is where people begin to start fighting harder and harder for their position at the bottom," the Magpies' boss said.
"Wigan have got a new manager, and as with Derby in Paul Jewell, they start getting more commitment and more organisation.
"Wigan are in the same position at the moment by winning one and drawing two under Steve (Bruce).
"They will have picked up some confidence, so I will expect a very difficult game, but one in which if we do hit our form, each individual and as a team, we can call it a winnable game."
