Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Jamaal Lascelles “Competition for the starting places is going to be interesting”

8 years ago
Share

Jamaal Lascelles says that he has really seen a difference since the end of the international break.

The Newcastle Captain saying that “…with all the new signings, just really good to see bringing so much (extra) energy and talent to training.”

In particular, Lascelles says that Daryl Murphy is ‘banging in the goals’ at the training ground and describes the signing of Christian Atsu as ‘unbelievable’.

It is a return to where Jamaal Lascelles grew up and the United defender has revealed that football wasn’t the biggest sport in his family, having played basketball until he was 14, his brother having travelled to play it in America on a four year scholarship, plus his dad being a local legend having played for Derby Storm basketball team in the past.

However, the Newcastle player says it is just business as usual and as it showed with Burton beating Derby County, they have to guard against any complacency as any team can win or lose on any given day.

One of the biggest problems for this game for Jamaal Lascelles, is servicing the demand for tickets from his family and friends…

Jamaal Lascelles speaking to the club’s official TV channel:

“I grew up in Derby so it’s pretty much a home game in that respect. Still just a normal game though and approach it in the same way.

“I’ve had loads of people asking for tickets but we get a certain amount between the boys, so I’ll sort the family out first and if there are any left I’ll give them to my friends.

Training was sharp this morning with all the new signings and just really good to see bringing so much (extra) energy and talent to training.”

 ‘Your dad is well known in Derby, a bit of a legend playing for the basketball team Derby Storm?’

“My family grew up playing basketball. I played up until the age of 14 and my brother has just come back from America, he did a four year scholarship playing in division one schools.”

‘Are you surprised Derby have only had one win?

“Derby are always a good team and usually up there at the end of the season, so it is going to be a tough game.

“They haven’t started off great but in the Championship it doesn’t matter about the name of the team, Burton beat them the other week and you expect that (can happen).”

‘After the four wins in a row you will be full of confidence?’

“Definitely, on top of that with the boys we have signed – Murphy was banging in goals in training today, Atsu  is a great signing – is one (signing) who is unbelievable – so it’s really confident, really positive going forward to this game – just can’t wait to get started.

“We have got a fit squad, a good squad in depth, so the competition for the starting places is going to be interesting.”

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks