Jack Colback admits his renaissance at Newcastle United has caught him by surprise in recent weeks, and hopes he can force his way into Steve Bruce’s plans.
After spending almost two years out on loan at Nottingham Forest, Colback has returned to the fold on Tyneside following the departure of Rafa Benitez and will now work under his former Sunderland manager, Bruce, in what’s been a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
Colback admits his relationship with the Spaniard turned quickly despite initially getting on well with the former Real Madrid and Liverpool chief, leaving him to seek refuge in Nottingham where he became a popular figure - so much so, he came runner-up to Joe Lolley in the Player of the Season vote.
"It was out of the blue, really. That was what was surprising. I got on fine with Rafa when he was here and played games with him,” he revealed.
"It was just out of the blue, which was the only strange thing I felt. Again, that’s football,” Colback told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"I’m big enough to take it on the chin. There are a lot better players than me left out of squads.
"I went to Forest and really enjoyed my time there. Now maybe I’ve got half a chance back here, so we’ll see what happens.
“It’s a bit unexpected, but that’s football sometimes.”
During his season-and-a-half at the City Ground, Colback established himself as a regular under Aitor Karanka and then Martin O’Neill, and the Reds had hoped to clinch a deal to see the 29-year-old return.
That now looks less likely given the dramatic turn of events at St James’ Park which has seen the midfielder go from starting pre-season with the Under-23s to playing in the Premier League Asia Trophy.
And with the appointment of Bruce, a man who gave Colback his Black Cats debut, he may yet get to stay with the Magpies.
“Obviously, I knew I had a year left, but I wasn’t expecting to come back and be involved,” he said.
“Things can change. All I’ve got to do is apply myself and work hard for the team when selected.
“If I’ve got a realistic chance to play, then of course. I loved my time here when I was playing.
“It’s a great place to play, St James’. I always gave 100 percent for the shirt.
"I’ll continue to do that if selected. I knew when I was with the Under-23s that I had to go out and get some game time.”
With one year left on his contract in the north east, Colback admits his long-term future remains unclear, but insists he’s determined to grasp the second chance he looks to have secured and give it his best shot.
"I did that at Forest and really enjoyed my time there,” said the former Reds’ favourite.
“I’m realistic.
"I’m still not thinking I’m going to nail down a position, but I’m going to give it a go. If I can impress the new manager, then great.
"If not, you’ll see what’s out there. It gives me a chance if nothing else."
