Shelvey suffers from perception problem, insists Newcastle boss Bruce

Steve Bruce admits Jonjo Shelvey suffers from a perception issue but has seen enough to consider handing him the Newcastle captaincy.Regular Magpies skipper Jamaal Lascelles has been ruled out until the new year with a fractured tibia, meaning Bruce not only has to choose a replacement at centre-half but a new on-field leader too.Ever-present goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and Ciaran Clark could come under consideration as stand-ins for the trip to Aston Villa, though the latter must first prove his fitness after returning from international week with a knock.But Bruce is also tempted by Shelvey, despite acknowledging some of the concerns he has heard about the players robustness and commitment.Those worries do not tally with his own experience of the 27-year-old, who has impressed with his eagerness to work back to full fitness.Ive got another decision to make (Shelvey) seems to be the normal one, to put it on him, and Ive got no problem with that, he said.Hes got this perception about him that he doesnt care thats wrong. Hes a good pro, hes a good lad, and hes popular. He trains well and Ive got no problem. If it seems to be that I wont upset that (with the captaincy), then well give it to him.Shelvey has only featured in half of the clubs 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 thats hampered him for a while, he explained.His physicality was terrific in the last two games and this perception that he cant run is not right. I think hes fit and now hes got to hit those levels. If he hits those levels with me then hell be fine because we all know the ability hes got, its the other side which you know he has to do and hes done it.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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