Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has admitted frustration with an injury-hit preseason.

This year he worked at the training ground long before other players returned only to pick up an unfortunate calf injury.

Speaking to NUFC TV, Shelvey said: "I always seem to run more during the off-season to try and come back in the best shape possible, and I was running at the training ground on the astroturf, and my calf popped and I ripped a tendon in my calf.

"It's been frustrating. I've missed most of preseason, but it's good to be back now."

Steve Bruce has previously spoken about the man he entrusted as vice-captain last season during Jamaal Lascelles' injury.

He said: "He's a very good footballer and when he plays well the team play well - it's quite simple.

"He is very important to us, of course, he is."