The Magpies will play host to the Tricky Trees on Saturday to kick off their Premier League campaign and will hope to build on the good feelings accompanying the second half of the 2021/22 season, when they climbed from the bottom of the table to finish in eleventh place.

 

Having come through the ranks with Nottingham Forest, Lascelles acknowledged that he would not be the player he is today if not for them.

 

 

The 28-year-old further noted that despite the history, he will be focused on taking the game by the scruff of the neck in a bid to garner the three points on offer.

 

Nottingham Forest is a huge club, and there’s a lot of history and obviously I am in the position I’m in because of them”, Lascelles told Chronicle Live.

 

 

Ultimately, without them, I’d not be here. I came up through the ranks. It’s a special place and a special team but now I am focused on just playing the game and beating them.”

 

Lascelles also pointed out that games against promoted teams can become tricky fixtures, but is glad for the home advantage, which he and the rest of his men will look to maximise.

 

 

Teams that get promoted, it can always go two ways.

 

“Hopefully, we can get up and running and I am glad we are at home because that will make a big difference”, he added.

 

We’re all thinking the same way and looking to get off to a good start.

 

“We want to see how far we can go and see how well we can do.”

 

Newcastle ended their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 over Athletic Bilbao at St. James’ Park at the weekend and will be looking to improve upon their league standing last season.