Former Nottingham Forest loan ace Jack Colback has "not done anything wrong" at Newcastle United, says manager Steve Bruce.
And Bruce has vowed to do everything he can to make sure the 29-year-old midfielder is ready to take any opportunity to move to a new club in the final year of his contract at St James' Park.
Colback has been left out of Newcastle's Premier League squad for this season on his return to the club, after a loan spell at Forest, but Bruce has kept him in the fold with the first-team squad.
It is in stark contrast to his treatment under former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, who completely froze him out.
Colback spent last season on loan at Forest, and the Reds were keen to sign him when Martin O'Neill was in charge, but a move to the City Ground never materialised.
“The hardest thing for me was to pick the 25,” said Bruce.
“I had only been here three weeks, and people like Jack, I had known a long time. It was very, very difficult. I saw him train (yesterday), and he trained very, very well.
“We're disappointed that he didn't get fixed up. He's not done anything wrong. It's just we have to make that call with 22 outfield players, and unfortunately Jack along with Rolando (Aarons) and Ach Achraf Lazaar) ... they're not part of it.
“It's not their fault, so it's vitally important they're still part of the squad in terms of training every day, and it's our responsibility to make sure that they stay fit, healthy and when the opportunity comes along for them, they're able to take it.”
