Most people seem to forget that his 'bad attitude' was bourne out of Kinnear refusing to play him (and then saying it was 'crunch time' when he got a start in the cup due to about 4 injured forwards) and refusing to acknowledge his existance. Some of Kinnear's press conferences would see him list our forward options as "Obie Martins, Shola Ameobi, Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, young Andy Carroll... and Nile Ranger's showed his ability at reserve level" which was fucking ridiculous.
Think that coming out and saying "he's not in contention and is for sale" would be stupid as he may actually try harder now and look closer to being a good player if he knows he has a fair chance. He might surprise us, get a few goals, and we'll get more money back for him if Hughton actually is planning to sell him. Also, the happy camp we had last season could be spoiled by a moody Xisco - best to keep him happy and give him a fair crack of the whip imo.
Nothing to lose playing him in the friendlies.