IPSWICH TOWN: The Blues look as though they might have to wait a while before they can take midfielder Jack Colback on loan.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that there is interest in Colback with Roy Keane believed to be line to take back the 20-year-old if Bruce gives the say so.

The deal is understood to have been on and then off and it may be that Bruce waits until he has his midfield sorted out as his newcomers settle in before deciding what to do with Colback.

This might well take until Christmas, although an earlier return to Suffolk for the player who won the player of the year award at Portman Road last season cannot be entirely ruled out.

Bruce has admitted that he has had to think long and hard about whether to keep Colback or loan him out for one more time.

“There’s opportunities for Jack here but obviously I’m aware of the great interest there is in taking Jack on loan,” said Bruce.

“For the moment though, he’s very much in our plans.”

Colback was originally set to start his first game of the season for the Black Cats in their Carling Cup home defeat by West Ham last night. But he stayed on the bench.

Bruce added: “It is a difficult one because you are trying to be fair to everyone.

“I said at the end of last season that Jack would be part of the first-team squad and that’s the case as things stand.

“I want him to get first-team football and there’s a chance he will here - we haven’t got that many central midfielders and we’re in an interesting situation at the moment - we’ve got David Meyler injured long-term, Lee Cattermole suspended, Cristian Riveros still getting to grips with English football.”

Colback, who turns 21 this week, may feel that with Ipswich doing well it might be a new challenge for a player who benefitted greatly helping Town stay clear of the relegation places last term.

“Jack is typical of the lads who are very much part of the first-team squad but haven’t featured that much so far.

“It’s a long season though and, like everyone else who was named in the half-season-long 25 squad, he’ll get his chance.”

Keane has confirmed that he is close to bringing in a loanee, and that results last night might mean this could happen Wednesday or Thursday.

He has always been lavish with his praise for Colback. Keane also wants a right back on loan, and ideally a third newcomer before the transfer window opens against in January.