Benito Carbone slips back into a Bradford City shirt tonight - in the humble surroundings of Billingham Synthonia.

The Italian will hit the earth with a bump after three months in the Premiership when he steps out for the reserves against Middlesbrough on a ground normally used by Northern League semi-pros.

It's a far cry from his top-flight loan spell with Derby which failed to lead to a permanent move after Colin Todd was sacked.

City chairman Geoffrey Richmond believes the £40,000-a-week star will be snapped up soon, although Carbone has no complaints about returning to the First Division.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "The lads have given me a good welcome. It's no problem because I have played with them for a year and a half and I've settled down again straight away.

"Derby was a good time for me, although their results stayed the same, but now I don't mind being back at Bradford. I have never asked to leave them and I'm happy to be here again.

"I think the new manager is good. I've trained with him twice and can see the difference already, we work hard and we work with the ball which is very important.

"I've just spoken to him for five minutes. When he wants to speak with me I'm ready to talk about anything.

"It's my pleasure to be playing with these lads again because I love them. Whether it is in the First Division or the Premier League, it is not a problem.

"And I'm happy to see my old fans again. They have been good to me before and I'm looking forward to playing for them again."

Stuart McCall, Wayne Jacobs and Gareth Whalley are named in an experience-packed reserve team which also includes trialist goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan from non-league Willenhall.

Boss Nicky Law said: "We need to give them a game and keep fitness up because we've got a big break now until next Tuesday. Training is all right but there's no substitute for matches.

"Carbone has shown a great attitude and looks like he has enjoyed it. He has got to get stuck into it because he is a Bradford player contracted for another two and a half years unless something happens."

CITY RES: Vaughan, Brodie, Jacobs, McCall, Morgan, Bower, Juanjo, Lawrence, Tod, Carbone, Whalley.