Sunderland have turned down a loan move for reserve team midfielder Jack Colback.

Colback, 18, has made an impressive start to the season since graduating from the youth team last year, and played a few games for the Lads on the first team's pre-season fixtures.

However, Roy Keane isn't ready to let the former Under 18s skipper leave just yet, hinting that he (and other youngsters) could feature in the Carling Cup tie against Northampton later this month.

Keane told the Sunderland Echo: "I had a chat with a manager the other day and discussed a couple of players. Someone asked about Jack going out on loan, but I'm reluctant at the moment – especially with the cup coming up."