JACK ROSS has recognised and praised the contribution of Grant Leadbitter since the midfielder returned to Sunderland.

The Black Cats boyhood fan and trainee left the club in 2009 to move to Ipswich, but returned to the Stadium of Light from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window.

His experience and calming presence in midfield has already been evident and those traits will be vital in the coming weeks as the Black Cats chase promotion and Wembley success in the Checkatrade Trophy.

And Ross can see the benefits the 33-year-old brings off the pitch as well as on it.

“I've been pleased with the contribution he's made,’’ reflected Ross. “He's made an obvious one in terms of assists and I think his performance levels have been good but what he's brought to the group has been good as well.

“He does things properly every single day and he demands that of others.

“I had others like that here, it was just adding to the strength of that.

“I've enjoyed working with him, he's my type in terms of how he does everything.

“Considering he hadn't had a lot of football before he came in, he can be pleased with what he's done.’’

Chester-le-Street born Leadbitter was brought up in Fencehouses. He admits to a sense of feeling like he’s back home in the red and white shirt at the Stadium of Light.

But, despite his passion, there’s more to Leadbitter than a red and white roar.

He was praised regularly by Tony Pulis for his outlook and professionalism, despite being overlooked too many occasions this season by the Middlesbrough boss.

Ross added: “Irrespective of what club he was at, I think he’s doing things properly, that's his nature. But he does have a very obvious passion for this club and he's really, really desperate to bring success back to this club and start this journey beck to where we feel we should be.

“From the very first time I spoke to him I liked him on a personal and professional level and it's just a bonus that he's a Sunderland fan because if he hadn't been I would still have wanted to him but it's a nice bonus to have.

“It's unusual It doesn't happen all that often that you have someone with such a strong affinity to the club coming back to it.’’

Leadbitter has instantly settled in on the training grounds at the Academy of Light, a senior pro who the younger players can learn from and look up to for advice and inspiration.

When it comes to setting standards every day, Ross admitted: “We've got a number of players who do that and I think that's important.

“I speak a lot about unseen work but these things have got to be right. They don't guarantee you winning games or being successful, but they matter to the fabric of the club and there are a number within the group that do that day after day. That becomes the norm and even the floaters become like that.

“It can go the other way very quickly as well, I've seen that first hand.

“It wasn't like we needed someone to do that, we just needed another one and it strengthens the group as well.

“Anyone who knows Grant will tell you that's what he does every day.”

Ged McNamee helped nurture into the player he is today during his role in charge of the Academy at Sunderland.

He knows the player and person inside out. Now first-team coach at Hartlepool, McNamee feels Leadbitter is too good for League One; and hopes he’s only playing at that level for another ten games.

“Grant is a great lad, we all know he’s a massive Sunderland supporter and there from eight-year-old,’’ said McNamee.

“He wasn’t getting in at Middlesbrough and, for me, he will finish his career at Sunderland after starting it there.

“When I’ve spoke to him we always talk about Sunderland. He’s a good pro, looks after himself and will be very good for the young players. He will talk to them, get into them about what they need to do and what Sunderland is all about.

“He’s a really good signing for Jack on and off the pitch, in the dressing room. He’s very professional and will help Jack set a good standard in the dressing room and the training pitches.

“He’s gone there, played every game and, in my opinion this is no disrespect to anyone, but he’s too good for Sunderland and that division.’’