Vinnie Steels says he has 'unfinished business' at Sunderland after returning to the club.
The 19-year-old wideman came through the Black Cats' academy system before leaving to join Darlington, moving from there to National League side York City - where he made his senior debut at 16 - and then joined Premier League Burnley's development side in the summer of 2018.
But he has now re-signed for the Wearsiders on a one-year deal and will become part of Elliott Dickman's U23 side next season.
"It's obviously a lot different from when I was here at Under-14," Steels told safc.com.
"There's a lot of coaches I remember from the first-time round like Elliott Dickman, Scott Pearce and Lewis Dickman, so it's been really good to catch up with them.
"I really enjoyed my time here when I was younger, and I think I have unfinished business.
"Playing at York City was a big learning curve for me and an experience that will benefit me in the long run, as I learned the physical side of the game."
Sunderland are back in training and preparing for the start of the new season after Leagues One and Two shutdown in March due to the Covid-19 crisis.
The players returned to the Academy of Light at the end of July and the League One campaign is due to begin on September 12, with the fixtures to be released tomorrow morning.
Steels said: "We've had a long time out but it’s great to be back, everyone has come back in decent shape.
"I can't wait to get out on the grass playing games now and hopefully it will be a successful season."
Steels was one of three U23 additions announced last weekend, with Sunderland also bringing in 20-year-old ex-West Bromwich Albion academy midfielder Sam Wilding after he impressed during a trial on Wearside last season, with 18-year-old former Wrexham defender Bobby Beaumont completing the trio.
