Steve McClaren: 'Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback making good progress'

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has suggested that midfielder Jack Colback is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury.

The 26-year-old picked up a knock in the second half of last month's Tyne-Wear derby - which Sunderland won 3-0 - and the Magpies confirmed that the former Black Cats man would be absent for six weeks, but McClaren is pleased with the former Ipswich Town loanee's progress.

"Jack's progressing really well, and we're delighted with him so far," McClaren is quoted as saying by the Shields Gazzette.

Meanwhile, defensive stalwart Steven Taylor has been absent through injury since September, and McClaren insists that the centre-back may not be ready until the New Year.

"Steven will be fighting to play any part in December," McClaren added. "We're probably looking more at the start of next year with him."

Newcastle will take on Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, November 21.