IPSWICH TOWN: Jack Colback will relish his move back to the Blues after failing to make in-roads in the Sunderland first team squad.

The 20-year-old joined Town on loan yesterday until January and is expected to be in the squad for today’s npower Championship game against Coventry City at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

Ipswich Town manager Roy Keane announced on Thursday that he was close to making a loan signing although it looked as though a couple of minor knocks might see Colback kept at Sunderland as cover for the Premier League game at Blackburn at Blackburn Rovers on Monday.

But Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was happy to release Colback and the player will be delighted to get back to playing in front of big crowds again after going back to captaining the Black Cats’ reserve side and disappearing from the senior side scene.

Bruce said: “Jack did well last year at Ipswich and really enjoyed his time.

“This will give him a good opportunity to gain some additional first team experience, and I look forward to his return in the New Year.”

Colback make 41 Town appearances while on loan with Ipswich in 2009/10 and he was voted player of the year.

Keane has been in regular touch with Bruce, and he got the thumbs up to talk to the player on Monday.

Colback still has a desire to play for his native north east club Sunderland, but his only start this term has been in the Carling Cup against Colchester after being sent off in his top flight debut at the end of last season.

With Town doing well this term, Bruce said in the Evening Star last month that a return to Portman Road was on the cards for Colback with thoughts of the youngster benefitting from the experience of being with a successful side after helping Ipswich when they were struggling last season.

Bruce named six internationals and one England Under-21 international on the bench for the recent Premier League game against Manchester United.

Bruce still has faith in the youngster and like Keane respects his enthusiasm, drive and professional approach. Colback travelled to Suffolk last night and a late decision will be made on his inclusing this afternoon.

Town face Coventry looking to earn their fourth home victory of the season with skipper David Norris and young midfielder Luke Hyam available after suspension, but defender Darren O’Dea is missing having undergone a knee operation that could keep him out for six weeks.