Kieran Trippier tipped for Newcastle promotion thanks to development ‘you can’t buy’ – pundit
Kieran Trippier will be named as Newcastle United’s new captain next season.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider amif the latest on the defender’s fitness.
Trippier, 31, has made five appearances since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
He has been injured since 13 February but as per Eddie Howe (15 April) his return is “slightly ahead of schedule”.
Jamaal Lascelles is Newcastle’s current captain but he has struggled for game time following the arrival of Dan Burn in January.
McAvennie expects Trippier to be given the armband over the summer.
“It’s got to be Trippier for me, he has so much experience,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He has experience of winning things at Atletico under Simeone, you can’t buy that.
“That’s the standard of player Newcastle want, so it would make sense to make him captain.
“He also has a long-term future at the club, there aren’t many Newcastle players who can say that at the moment.
“You just hope he can stay fit to play 30-odd games next season. He’s a brilliant player and I know the fans up there love him.
“I think the captaincy has to go to him, there is no one else.”
Jonjo Shelvey, Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson have all worn the armband at various points this season.
Shelvey has been regularly selected as the skipper following Lascelles’ drop to the bench.
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