Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has explained why he made the “difficult” decision to leave former Nottingham Forest loanee Jack Colback out of his Premier League squad.
The midfielder was a transfer target for the Reds earlier in the summer, following two impressive loan spells at the City Ground , but seemed to have been given a fresh start with the Magpies.
Colback had previously been frozen out at St James’ Park by former manager Rafa Benitez, but was involved in a number of pre-season friendlies when Bruce took charge.
However, he was one of five senior players not to make the final cut when Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad was named.
And Bruce says he missed out due to the deadline day arrivals of Andy Carroll and Emil Krafth.
“We signed two players late on,” the United manager said. “If we hadn’t brought them in, then Jack was likely to be in the squad.
“I did explain that to Jack.
“But yeah, it was difficult.”
Bruce worked with Colback, who has a year left on his contract, at Sunderland and added: “Jack Colback, I’ve known a long, long time.
“I hope they (the players left out) can get fixed up, I really do.
“In the next few weeks, there are a few windows still open.”
Rolando Aarons, Achraf Lazaar, Jamie Sterry and Henri Saivet were also left out, with the Shields Gazette reporting the club will be looking to move the five players on, most likely on loan, to clubs where the transfer window remains open.
Asked if there had been any interest in those players, Bruce said: “There have been one or two sniffs.
“It’s ludicrous that all of Europe is still open. Some clubs are maybe going to have to sell a player they don’t want to.”
