Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback appreciates manager Steve Bruce for giving him first team opportunity

Jack Colback – Sunderland, (Getty Images)

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Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has paid tribute to his manager, Steve Bruce, thanking him for the chance to prove himself in the first team.

Colback has played ten times for Sunderland this season, starting their last five matches, as Sunderland struggle with injuries.

Sunderland have had severe problems this season, and whilst they have been at their most problematic in attack, it has affected the numbers in midfield too with Stephane Sessegnon and Kieran Richardson both having to play as auxiliary attackers before now.

The recent injury to Lee Cattermole has also helped Colback’s cause, but nevertheless, he has been playing and he is glad the manager is putting his faith in him after encouraging comments made earlier in the week.

Speaking to BBC Newcastle, Colback said: “It’s great to hear that the manager has me in his plans for next season.

“I just need to kick on now and do well in pre-season and hopefully impress the manager again.”

“There’s competition for places so I’ve got to keep my head down and get in there.”

A big part of a lot of young players’ development is the opportunity to go out on loan and experience first team football elsewhere, and Colback is no different, citing his time at Ipswich Town as a massive help.

During his time at Ipswich, Colback played 37 times last season, adding another 13 appearances this term before being recalled, but the central midfielder isn’t taking it for granted and believes he wouldn’t be the player now without that experience.

“It was massive for me going out on loan,” he added. “I came back with great experience, playing in front of bigger crowds, in competitive football week, in week out.

“If I hadn’t done that – if I had come into the first-team earlier at Sunderland – I might have struggled more than I have, but I’ve come in and done ok, and it’s helped massively.”