Ask Newcastle United fans what they think of Jack Colback’s performances this season and the vast majority will tell you he has been woeful.
That has not stopped him being picked week in, week out by Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, but that is in part due to the unavailability of summer signing Isaac Hayden.
The former Arsenal player is currently side-lined after undergoing ankle surgery. However he will be back next season, and with Newcastle set to strengthen further it could well be Colback who misses out.
If the former Sunderland man cannot perform effectively in the Championship, what hope does he have of playing a vital role for Newcastle if, as expected, they return to the top flight next season?
He may have been there before, but on recent evidence he is not up to it and if Hayden builds on his impressive start at St. James’ Park, and Benitez signs another new midfielder in the close season, Colback may be set for a spell on the bench at best.
If that happens, he could play nothing more than a bit-part role at Newcastle next season and beyond so would it be better he left this summer rather than slipping down the pecking order at a key stage of his career.
Colback could of course turn things round, but based on this season, that looks highly unlikely.