Jack Colback has been frozen out at Newcastle United – but the midfielder is still having an influence.
That’s the verdict of Peter Beardsley, who has been working with Colback since he was sent to the Academy by Rafa Benitez.
"It’s nothing to do with me why he’s not been part of the first-team group, but, to be fair to Jack, he’s been a good example to the kids."
Colback – who was told he was not in Benitez’s plans in the summer – has been training with Beardsley’s Under-23 squad.
The midfielder, under contract at United until 2019, has played just one Premier League 2 game so far this season, but coach Beardsley – whose side take on Blackburn Rovers at Whitley Park tonight (7pm kick-off) – feels he’s having a positive influence on the training field.
“He’s been really good,” said Beardsley. “He’s been good as gold. To be fair to Rafa, he’s been good with him. They still get on well.
“It’s nothing to do with me why he’s not been part of the first-team group, but, to be fair to Jack, he’s been a good example to the kids.
“At our level, he stands out. Most first-team players would. The best players are the best players for a reason. He’s been really good for us.”
Colback, 27, could leave Newcastle, either on loan or a permanent deal, in January’s transfer window.
Benitez spoke about Colback’s situation last month. “Jack, he knew my ideas before (the summer transfer window closed), and he knows my ideas now,” said the manager.