Will Allardyce Make Barton Toon Skipper?

But Newcastle United are currently without a skipper and Sam Allardyce has to make his choice in coming weeks.

Who is in the running?

SHAY GIVEN: The old head in the team but goalkeeper is hardly the position to add influence to a team on the pitch. 5-1

NOBBY SOLANO: He was skipper of Peru and highly respected, but Allardyce likes a forceful figure and Nobby is hardly the most vocal man in the team. 15-1

KIERON DYER: He once threw away the captain's armband and the fans still remember the day, and I for one haven't forgotten the incident. But Big Sam has great respect for the midfielder and I'm sure he isn't even aware it happened. 8-1

JOEY BARTON: Signed by Allardyce and a man who is capable of influencing a match by his driving runs and enthusiasm. Has to be in the running. 2-1

MICHAEL OWEN: The man who skippered England to a 4-0 win against Paraguay in 2002. At 22, became England's youngest captain since Bobby Moore, and it could be argued he is experienced enough to do the job on a full-time basis for United. Sam wants to get the best out of his striker and he could see him as the man. 2-1