Eddie Howe says he's "disappointed" for Ryan Fraser after the winger was snubbed by Scotland.
But he insists he's passionate about playing for his country and has backed him to win Steve Clarke back over.
Fraser came in for serious criticism when he pulled out of the Scotland squad back in October with injury but reported for Newcastle training days later.
Clarke questioned his commitment at the time and didn't pick him in the squad for this month's friendlies with Poland and either Austria or Wales.
That's despite Fraser having played well for Newcastle since Howe's arrival with two goals and two assists in recent weeks.
The Scotland boss however opened the door to a potential return when he said Fraser's form will determine his selection.
And Howe reveals he's spoken with Clarke and hopes Fraser can work his way back in.
He said: "I've spoken with Steve and I've got a good relationship with him and I know how highly he rates Ryan, so I'm sure that situation will come to a positive conclusion.
"The only thing I'll say on that is that it will be dependent on how Ryan performs, that will be the biggest factor in whether things change.
"He's very passionate about his country. He always has been from the first meetings I had with him. He loves his country.
"He was playing, when we first signed him (at Bournemouth), for the junior age groups and always loved going away, and that's not changed for Ryan. He wants to do well in every aspect for his football club and country.
"I'm disappointed for him, of course, but I think Ryan is in a good place because he's here, he's playing and he's playing very well."
