Nottingham Forest loanee Jack Colback has criticised Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez after finally escaping from his difficult spell at St James’ Park.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss condemned the midfielder to train with the U23 squad after failing to select him for first-team affairs, with the Spaniard finally granting the player with a move away from the north east on transfer deadline day.

“The disappointing thing is the way it has been dealt with,” he told The Express. “I’ve been treated more like a number than a human being.

“There are ways feuds can be managed but there has been no respect whatsoever shown my way.”

The Verdict

Colback is a solid player with the ability to do a job at Premier League level, and the 28-year-old will be left extremely disappointed with his exile from the squad on Tyneside.

Forest fans will be delighted to have secured the player on a deal until the end of the season, and that could certainly be made permanent if the former Sunderland man impresses in the coming months, with a Magpies return looking increasingly unlikely following his comments.

Demand for Colback will be high in the summer, but if Forest manager Aitor Karanka can convince the player of his value to the Reds, they stand an excellent chance of tying him to the club on a permanent basis.

Forest fans, let us know your thoughts!