Future bleak for me under Rafa – Colback

NEWCASTLE United’s forgotten man Jack Colback has admitted his future on Tyneside is looking “bleak” under Rafa Benitez.

The midfielder is on loan at Nottingham Forest and targeting promotion to the Premier League but has refused to shut the door on his Toon career.

With Forest chasing a play-off place in the Sky Bet Championship, Colback said: “My situation at Newcastle looks pretty bleak, with Rafa.

“That is one of those things. I am not too fussed about that, but it was disappointing with the way it ended, with Newcastle being my home town club.

“But that is football. Obviously the aim is to get Forest promoted. Then we will see.

“If the (Newcastle) manager comes calling and wants to take me back there, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

“But we are a long way off that just yet. We will keep calm for now.”

When asked about his time at the City Ground, Colback told the Nottingham Post: “I enjoy it here. We are settled.

“My kids are down here, they are at school now and I hope to have a good season. Promotion is the aim for me and the aim for everyone else here.”

Forest are currently seventh in the second tier table and drew 0-0 with Stoke at the weekend.

Colback’s contract at Newcastle expires in June 2019.