Loan midfielder Jack Colback has returned to Sunderland after his season with the Blues. The 20-year-old impressed during his time at Portman Road, winning the Players’ Player of the Year and coming third in the Supporters’ Player of the Year voting.
Colback says he enjoyed his time with Town: "It's been a good experience. I went there off the back of playing for the reserves and I felt the next step was to play at a level as high as the Championship.
"I think I coped with it quite well. The season has taken it out of me and I've felt it the last few games, but players play longer seasons than I have so I've just got on with it.
"I've played a lot of first team football which is what I'm here to do. I've taken the next step which was playing week in, week out in front of bigger crowds and at better stadiums."
Colback feels he has developed over the season and was delighted to pick up his gong: "I hope I've progressed and matured and I do feel I've grown as a player. Hopefully I can come back next season and make that next step into contention for the first team.
"Coming back with the award was a great honour. To get it from my fellow players was really special and I never expected it."
Steve Bruce has said Colback will be in his first team thoughts at the Stadium of Light next season and the youngster is eager to impress: "It's good to know the gaffer has got his eye on me and still has me in his plans. Hopefully I can impress him and push on next year."
Colback made 33 starts and eight sub appearances for the Blues, scoring five goals.
Photo: ITFC