Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew admits Nile Ranger needs to buck up his ideas for any chance of staying.
After being relegated back to second string duty for a series of misdemeanours, Pardew will seek regular updates on his attitude from reserve-team supremos Willie Donachie and Peter Beardsley.
"I said that I very rarely shut the door on anybody, but Nile needs to understand the responsibilities of being a professional footballer," Pardew told the Evening Chronicle.
"That's all he needs to understand. It's not just about what happens on the football field.
"And he's learning that lesson - sometimes you can fine a player and fine a player for being late and it just does not get through.
"Unfortunately that's where we are at the moment and when I see and learn from Willie and Peter that's the line he's on he'll come back.
"I have seen a little improvement but not enough yet.
"He won't be considered for the first team until he does more."
Birmingham City and Millwall are monitoring developments.
