Noble heading back

Ryan Noble is heading back to Sunderland after deciding against extending his spell with Derby County.

Sunderland striker set to return after Derby loan spell

Ryan Noble is heading back to Sunderland after deciding against extending his spell with Derby County. The highly-rated striker has made a couple of appearances during his stint with the Rams. Derby boss Nigel Clough was keen for him to remain at Pride Park, but Noble has decided he should return to the North East. Although Clough was keen to keep Noble, he does have a number of players returning to injury meaning he was unable to guarantee him first-team football - which the youngster was looking for. "I have enjoyed my time at Derby, they are a great club and the boss has been excellent with me," Noble told Sky Sports. "However, with other players now coming back into the picture, it looks better that I move on. "I am now back to full fitness and just want to be playing football." Meanwhile, Noble's team-mate Trevor Carson also looks set to head back to Sunderland following a loan stint with Hull City.