Former Nottingham Forest loanee Jack Colback is said to be "shocked" at being left out of Newcastle United's Premier League squad.
Midfielder Colback, who was a transfer target of the Reds earlier this summer when Martin O'Neill was in charge of the club, looked likely to be included in manager Steve Bruce's 25-man squad for the new season in the top flight.
Having been frozen out by former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, and loaned out to Forest, the 29-year-old was given a fresh start by Bruce and played in a number of pre-season friendlies.
But when Bruce announced his Premier League squad last week, Colback was not given a number.
When asked about Colback, Bruce said: "Unfortunately, he’s one of those who hasn’t got a squad number."
The Shields Gazette claim Colback was "fully expecting to get a chance to play for the Magpies this season, having been given assurances he was part of head coach Bruce's plans beyond the summer", and so is "deeply disappointed at seeing his United dream shattered again".
With the transfer window in the top two divisions in England now closed, the Gazette adds a move to the continent is an option for the player, who enjoyed two successful loans at Forest since January last year.
