BEN Mee believes manager Sean Dyche could be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a new captain.

The armband has been passed around in pre-season before and since Jason Shackell’s departure to Derby County, with the defender failing to appear in any of the Clarets’ friendlies because of injury ahead of his Rams return.

Experienced defender Michael Duff has led out the side, while for Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Fleetwood Town Mee himself was given the responsibility.

Central midfielders David Jones and Dean Marney have also been mentioned as candidates for the captaincy, although Marney remains sidelined as he recovers from cruciate knee ligament surgery.

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been earmarked as a successor to Shackell among supporters.

And Mee acknowledges that with so many leaders in the squad the options are not limited.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of people putting their hand up. There are plenty of lads who are capable of taking that role,” said the defender.

“There are a lot of leaders on the pitch anyway. There are plenty of lads who can step up and do a job and become even more of a leader on the pitch.”

Mee has played mostly at left back during his Clarets career, but as a youngster with Manchester City operated at centre half.

Shackell’s exit also creates an opening in that position as Dyche looks to build a new central defensive partnership.

With Duff rested ahead of his testimonial game at home to Bradford City on Saturday, Mee moved to central defence to play alongside Michael Keane at Highbury Stadium in midweek.

The 25-year-old said he would be willing to switch inside, if he was asked to.

“We’ll see what happens,” said Mee.

“I want to play, if that means at centre half or left back I don’t really mind. I feel I can do a job in both positions.

“Either one I’d be happy to get involved with, as long as I’m in the side and the team’s doing well.

“If it happens it happens, but if it doesn’t hopefully I can keep playing at left back and keep playing well.”

become even more of a leader on the pitch.”

Mee has played mostly at left back during his Clarets career, but as a youngster with Manchester City operated at centre half.

Shackell’s exit also creates an opening in that position as Dyche looks to build a new central defensive partnership.

With Duff rested ahead of his testimonial game at home to Bradford City on Saturday, Mee moved to central defence to play alongside Michael Keane at Highbury Stadium in midweek.

And the 25-year-old said he would be willing to switch inside, if he was asked to.

“We’ll see what happens,” said Mee.

“I want to play, if that means at centre half or left back I don’t really mind. I feel I can do a job in both positions.

“Either one I’d be happy to get involved with, as long as I’m in the side and the team’s doing well.

“If it happens it happens, but if it doesn’t hopefully I can keep playing at left back and keep playing well.”