}

        return selected;
    }

    /**
     * Releases a channel after use.
     *
     * @param channel the channel to release
     */
    public void releaseChannel(ChannelInfo channel) {
        if (channel != null) {
            channel.decrementConnections();
            log.debug("Released channel {} (active connections: {})", channel.getChannelId(), channel.getActiveConnections());