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Jack Colback will be a "very important" signing for Nottingham Forest this season, says Aitor Karanka, who admits he was "surprised" they have successfully lured the midfielder back to the City Ground.

The Reds boss felt it was a long shot that Forest would be able to entice the Newcastle United man back to the club for another loan spell, at the end of last season.

But now they have brought him back on loan, Karanka is keen to make the move permanent, with Forest holding an option to tie down the 28-year-old on a longer-deal, further down the line.

Karanka believes that, while Colback is the kind of player who can often go under the radar in the eyes of the supporters, he is also somebody who can provide balance to the entire team.

“It is a very important signing for us. He is a player who I did not think we could afford, when we finished last season,” said Karanka. “But it was a surprise when I had a meeting with him and he was open to come back again.

“Jack is the kind of player who maybe does not score goals or prevent goals on his own line, but he is always in the right position, he is always giving balance to the team.

“He is experienced, he is powerful and he has character. He is a really important player for us.”

Karanka believes Colback’s decision to return to the City Ground is proof that he puts playing football over money.

“Yes, again it was a surprise because when we finished the season I was speaking with him and I told him I was going to do everything to bring him here again,” said Karanka.

“But I did not expect that we could do it.

“He wanted to come here, he has been pushing to come here, because he believes this is the right place for him. I am really pleased.”

And now Colback is back, Karanka hopes he is here to stay, with the Reds boss admitting he would very much like to see the move made permanent in the future.

“I would hope to see that, yes. Because it is important to have players like him; to have players on the pitch who are your reflection,” he said.

“He is a winner. I remember the game against Bolton when we were playing for nothing and he was one of the only ones who wanted to win the game; who wanted to score the goal that he did.

“Players like him, this season, will be really, really important.”

Colback could make his return to the Reds side when they face League One Scunthorpe United on Wednesday.