Jamaal Lascelles has spoken to Shields Gazette about his aims and ambitions for his first season as a Newcastle player and how he plans on making his breakthrough into the squad.
The defender signed from Nottingham Forest last season, alongside ‘keeper Karl Darlow, however, both of them spent the rest of the season on loan to the Championship side to get minutes under their belt before their return to Newcastle this summer.
Lascelles made his long awaited Newcastle debut last month in a League Cup tie versus League Two side Northampton Town and now the defender wants to kick on and force his way into manager Steve McClaren’s plans.
“The staff haven’t set me any targets, but I have my own personal ones,” said Lascelles.
“I just want to be doing the best I can and hopefully be playing… We have great competition at centre-half with the likes of Coloccini, Taylor and Williamson, but if I work hard, then hopefully I can play.”
Lascelles explained his approach on the training ground and says he is learning from Newcastle’s more senior centre-backs.
“I watch not just Coloccini, but the others – Taylor, Williamson. I watch them really closely in training,” he added.
“I’m the youngest, so experience-wise they might have the edge on me, so it’s really important for me to watch what they do and see how they are around the place.
“It’s really beneficial for me as I’ve only played two full seasons at Nottingham Forest.”
With Coloccini coming towards the end of his career. Chancel Mbemba and Jamaal Lascelles look to be McClaren’s centre back choice for the future, with Lascelles to come into the side as Coloccini’s successor.
Lascelles is unlikely to become a first-team regular this season, however, he will bide his time until he gets his opportunity and will have to grasp it.
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