The Blues midfielder, who celebrates his 21st Birthday this coming Saturday, returned to St Andrew's one week early from a three month loan spell with the Black Cats and was drafted straight back into Steve Bruce's squad for the local derby game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy had enquired about the possibilty of keeping Carter for the season but with the news that Muzzy Izzet is to undergo surgery and could face a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury Bruce had to get Carter back to fill the void he had in the middle of the park.
Now Carter has expressed his gratitude to the North-East club for giving him the opportunity to play competitive football following a long spell in Blues Reserves side.
"I was surprised to have got the call to come back but I'm glad I did now," he told the Journal.
Carter made 10 first team appearances during his time at Sunderland and scored once.
You can read the full Darren Carter interview with The Journal, HERE