Newcastle United chiefs now consider the training ground row between Steve Bruce and Matt Ritchie to be resolved after talks behind the scenes.
Chronicle Live understands that Ritchie apologised to his team-mates and staff and after clear the air discussions in the last 24 hours, it has been agreed by all concerned to focus on the weekend trip to West Bromwich Albion.
However, despite the fact Bruce has placed the local media in restricted mode - by taking only a handful of selected questions recently - it is likely that rights holders will ask the Toon boss about the situation tomorrow.
Ritchie was angered by Bruce's public post-game comments in which he mentioned that the winger did not pass on instructions about a change in formation, resulting in Jacob Murphy continuing to operate wide left when he should have been playing at right wing-back.
Newcastle have refused to comment on details about the spat between Ritchie and Bruce but sources say the club hoping the incident is now behind them.
Bruce has been under pressure after just two wins so far in 2021 while Ritchie has been unsettled and has played only a small part this season, appearing just 12 times.
Newcastle were prepared to sell Ritchie in January but could not agree on a package with Bournemouth.
Ritchie trained on Tuesday at Benton and was pictured smiling before again training as normal on Wednesday
Bruce has demanded focus from the squad ahead of the trip to the Hawthorns.
He has been told to carry on with his job as head coach in recent weeks and will face the media via a Zoom conference on Friday morning.
Earlier in the week, senior striker Andy Carroll stated every game was a "cup final now" with Newcastle facing a drop into the relegation zone tonight were Fulham to beat Spurs.
