Who should be Newcastle United captain in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles?

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Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has been sidelined with an injury which looks set to keep him out until the new year, leaving Steve Bruce with a leadership dilemma.

Who should wear the armband in his absence? Jonjo Shelvey took on the mantle when Lascelles went off against Bournemouth and led his side to a 2-1 victory.

That said, Fabian Schar has further enhanced his reputation this season and has international experience which could command the respect of his team-mates.

Meanwhile, Isaac Hayden wanted to leave the club in the summer (Telegraph) but has since knuckled down and is a vocal presence in the side, making eight starts this term.

TBR’s View – Schar should get the nod but Hayden is a better bet than Shelvey

Shelvey was the man who got the armband in the game but Schar’s experience, performances this season and position on the pitch make him the ideal candidate.

The Swiss international has been exceptional and leads by example, and Hayden is a more natural fit as a combative, full-blooded midfield presence than Shelvey if Bruce elects for a midfielder.

Shelvey tends to play his own game, which is still wracked by immaturity and inconsistency, while his defensive work is not always as good as it could be.

That kind of example isn’t going to work wonders in a relegation battle like Newcastle are in.