Steve Bruce backs Shelvey to lead Newcastle in Lascelles absence

Steve Bruce says Jonjo Shelvey suffers from a "perception" issue but has seen enough to consider handing him the Newcastle captaincy.

"[Shelvey] seems to be the normal one, to put it on him, and I've got no problem with that," said Bruce.

"He's got this perception about him that he doesn't care... that's wrong. He's a good pro, he's a good lad, and he's popular.

"He trains well and I've got no problem. If it seems to be that I won't upset that [with the captaincy], then we'll give it to him."

Shelvey has only featured in half of the club's 12 Premier League games thus far but Bruce has revealed that is at least partially down to fitness concerns.

"I think Jonjo carried an injury for a while and tried to just play through it and play with it and I think that's hampered him for a while," he said.

"His physicality was terrific in the last two games and this perception that he can't run is not right. I think he's fit and now he's got to hit those levels.

"If he hits those levels with me then he'll be fine because we all know the ability he's got, it's the other side which you know he has to do and he's done it."