BEN Turner has returned to the Sky Blues on a short term loan deal and he is eager to get his career back on track at the Ricoh Arena.
The 27-year-old moves back to his former club until January 3 after being drafted in as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Reda Johnson.
There remains doubts over Turner’s fitness with the tough-tackling defender having been out of action since picking up an ankle injury in pre-season.
But in recent weeks he has come through a number of development matches for Cardiff City and now he has a chance to gain first team football back at the club that gave him his first opportunity in football nine years ago.
“I’m pleased to be here,” Turner told the club’s official website. “It’s something I’ve had opportunity to do in the last couple of weeks and I feel ready now to step up and play competitive first team games – I’m delighted to be back.
“It’s been the toughest period of my career to date, I’ve had a bad 12 months with my left ankle.
“But I’m very happy with the surgery I’ve had, it’s been a full on fix and I feel great. I want to show everyone I’m fit and ready to take my career in right direction again.”
Turner is the second former Sky Blues player to make a return to the League One club this week following the arrival of midfielder Gael Bigirimana on Tuesday.
Like ‘Bigi’, Birmingham-born Turner made his way through the club’s academy and after making his first team debut against Stoke City back in August 2006, he went on to make 72 league appearances for the Sky Blues.
His impressive performances in the heart of the Sky Blues defence earned him a move to then Championship rivals Cardiff City in the summer of 2011.
During his time at the Bluebirds Turner helped guide Cardiff City to the Premier League and was a regular in the top flight, making 33 appearances.
He continued: “We worked hard to get to the Premier League with Cardiff, then to play that season in the top flight was a great experience, one I’ll always remember.
“Ever since then I had trouble with this ankle but now I’m ready to draw a line under that and get moving in the right direction.
“It’s easy to say, but the City score is always the next game I look for ever since I left. I still have friends in the city and the manager is doing a fantastic job. I really want to do well, play some games and help the club.
“I’m grateful for the times I’ve had before and I’m desperate to play games.”
City boss Mowbray had been searching for a replacement for former captain Johnson, who is out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury, for some time.
And he is confident Turner has the qualities to fill the huge void in the heart of the Sky Blues defence.
He added: “It’s been no secret that we’ve been looking to add to our defensive options since Reda Johnson suffered a long-term injury.
“I’ve been aware of Ben’s abilities for a long time and he is a player who can definitely add quality to our defensive line, as well as his physical attributes.
“I’m hopeful Ben can help the defence keep clean sheets during a crucial period and I’m sure he is looking forward to putting on the Sky Blue shirt once again.”