Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren confirms Fabricio Coloccini to remain captain

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has insisted that Fabricio Coloccini will remain as the captain of his team.

Reports suggested that the Argentine was to be stripped of the captaincy following his poor display in the Magpies' 3-0 defeat to Leicester City in their last Premier League outing.

However, McClaren has backed the defender to bounce back from his performance against the Foxes to return to his peak form against Crystal Palace.

When asked if Coloccini would remain as captain, McClaren told reporters: "Absolutely."

He added: "He has been lauded and praised after Bournemouth where we defended very well. We got some blocks in and headers. Him and Rob Elliot got us the three points.

"This is a team sport, we don't pick out individuals. We couldn't defend our players last week, that was all of us. Colo has responded well on the field."

Newcastle are 17th in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park to face Palace.