JACK Colback admits Steve Bruce’s sacking was a “relief” to Sunderland’s supporters – and the players are now feeling the benefit.

Having been given his chance by the Corbridge-born manager, Colback was not celebrating when Bruce was shown the door last month.

However, the 22-year-old midfielder admits the change of manager has lifted the mood on the Stadium of Light terraces.

Having broken his scoring duck this week, Colback is hoping to capitalise with a purple patch in front of goal.

He said: “It was unfortunate Steve went, no one wants to see a manager leave, but it was kind of a relief for the fans and maybe that is good for the players.”

Until Bruce’s departure, the Black Cats had won three of their 17 home matches in 2011.

His increasing unpopularity among the supporters only made playing at home more difficult.

Under Bruce’s replacement Martin O’Neill, their record there is won one, drawn one.

Colback opened the scoring in the second of those games, Monday’s 1-1 draw with Everton. It was his first for the club.

Weeks earlier the Killingworth-born player had spoken of the need to add goals to his game and he hopes breaking his duck can trigger a spree.

Colback admitted: “I don’t see myself as a defensive midfielder, I see myself as someone who can get in the box and hopefully score a goal.

“I want to score more goals and help the team that way.

“I got five goals at Ipswich and they came in a little burst, so hopefully a few might be coming my way.”

Three of Colback’s goals on loan at Portman Road came during a six-game spell either side of New Year 2010.