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Lascelles: "I Felt Ten Feet Tall"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Jamaal Lascelles has spoken of his pride after captaining United in their friendly win over Bohemian
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Jamaal Lascelles says he felt "ten feet tall" after being handed the captain's armband for Newcastle United's opening pre-season friendly against Bohemian on Saturday.
Following the departure of Fabricio Coloccini earler this month, the 22-year-old centre-back led the Magpies to a comprehensive 6-0 victory against their League of Ireland opponents at Dalymount Park.
It was the first time Lascelles had skippered the Club and he told nufc.co.uk it was one of the best moments of his career to date.
"I feel so proud," said the youngster.
"I was getting hints in training but the manager didn't actually tell me. Then when I arrived at the ground and went into the changing room he told I would be the captain.
"It took my breath away because it's such a big thing for me.
"It's unbelievable to be wearing the captain's armband for Newcastle United, even in a pre-season friendly. I class myself as a leader but wearing the armband made me feel ten feet tall, like a proper leader.
"For Rafa Benitez to give me the captain's armband shows how much trust and respect he has for me and I will never forget this moment.
"We will see what happens in the season but either way, whoever the manager picks as captain for the season, will be the right person."
The fixture came at the end of United's week-long training camp in County Kildare, where the players were put through their paces twice a day in an intense schedule.
And Lascelles was pleased to see their tactical work on the training pitch successfully transferred into a match situation.
"It's a great start," he continued.
"We've been working hard in training, we've been waiting all week for this and we came here today with our heads on the right way and a professional attitude.
"Anyone who watched the game could see how quickly we pressed the ball after we lost it and that is something we have been working on all week.
"We put Bohemian under a lot of pressure and from the back looking forward, it was really impressive to see the forward players doing that.
"There was a difficult period at the start but we did what we needed to do and were clinical with our finishes.
"We lacked a bit of threat in the final third last season but for six individuals to score shows what we've got in our team.
"Everyone stuck to their jobs, we were positive going forward and solid at the back so I'm really pleased with everyone."