Jack Colback is looking forward to getting going at Nottingham Forest after a ‘difficult few months’ at Newcastle.

The 28-year-old joined the Reds on a loan deal on transfer deadline day and will remain at the City Ground until the end of this season.

Having played an important part in helping Newcastle win promotion from the Championship last term, Colback has found himself out of favour with Rafa Benitez this season and has been training away from the first team with the under-23 squad.

Summer moves to Hull and Wolves failed to materialise but he will now be back involved at senior level after linking up with new manager Aitor Karanka.

And speaking to Forest’s official website, Colback admits he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing first-team football after six months spent in the wilderness.

“It is good to sign here,” Colback said.

“It is nice to get out on loan and hopefully play some games. It has been a difficult few months for me but I am looking forward to the opportunity here.

“The club were very keen to get it done and that was a big factor. They showed a lot of interest and I have heard lots of good things about the manager from players who have played for him before.

“It is a really good club with great history behind it and a good fan base. I am just looking forward to getting going."

Colback arrives with the experience of winning the Championship behind him, as well as 18 months on loan at Ipswich earlier in his career.

And the former Sunderland youngster believes his experience of the division will enable him to make a success of his move to the East Midlands.

“I am used to this league. I had a season and a half with Ipswich when I was younger and obviously last season with Newcastle winning the league.

“I know what this league is all about, it is a tough league and every game is tough. You don’t get a lot of time on the ball or a lot of space but I am prepared for it.

“I will give 100 per cent, try my hardest for the team, for my teammates and the staff and hopefully I can put in some good performances.”

Colback could make his debut for his new side on Saturday, as they take on Aleksandar Mitrovic’s Fulham at Craven Cottage.