Newcastle United name Jamaal Lascelles skipper

Jamaal Lascelles has been named captain of Newcastle United for the 2016/17 season.

The Magpies made the announcement on Thursday, ahead of their Sky Bet Championship opener against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Lascelles captained Rafael Benitez's team during pre-season and has been handed the armband on a permanent basis following the departure of Fabricio Coloccini.

Live EFL

The 22-year-old defender has played 21 times for the club since moving to St James' Park from Nottingham Forest in 2014.

He spent his first season as a Newcastle employee back at the City Ground on loan, before becoming part of the first team squad in the north east last summer.

He told the club's website: "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."

Rafa Benitez added: "We have a few players now in the squad who have the character to be captain but Jamaal has proven himself to be a leader and a big personality in the dressing room and on the pitch.

It is such a proud moment for me and the biggest in my career so far

"At the end of last season he really developed as a character and a man. He has grown quickly and takes responsibility. He has teammates here who will help him do the right thing and he has the right mentality

"I am pleased that Jamaal will be our captain but I have also said to other players that they must too show their character, strength and leadership qualities to support the team."