Former Leeds United and Sunderland striker Michael Bridges has admitted he is keen to become the new captain of the Newcastle Jets. The position is currently vacant following Matt Thompson’s decision to join incoming A-League club Melbourne Heart and the Englishman has already put his name forward despite playing less than a full season with the club. “I had a word to Branko and a few of the guys and said I would enjoy taking the captaincy next season," he told the Newcastle Herald. "I have put my name forward and it is up to the guys at the club to decide what is right and how they feel. Whether I have the armband or not, I will still be one of the lads talking and shouting and trying to organise things on and off the field. That is my nature.” Bridges’ season was cut short when he injured his thigh just prior to the A-League finals but he said he was back in shape now after some work with English Premier League promotion-winners Newcastle United. “The injury came at a bad time," he said. "The thigh is OK now. I had treatment back in the UK and did a lot of work with the Newcastle United [England] medical staff. "They gave me a program to get it back to where it needs to be strength wise. "I have gradually built it up, running and playing some five-a-side games with a few of my old mates back there. "Since I have been back [in Australia] I have been in the gym working hard to make sure it is 100 per cent when the whole group gets together [on May 14]." More...