Benito Carbone seems assured of a hot reception when he returns to Villa Park tomorrow.

The Bradford City striker could not agree terms with Aston Villa at the end of last season and goes back to his former club hoping to consolidate the Bantams' encouraging start to the season.

But City boss Chris Hutchings says the Italian striker has nothing to prove and wants the past forgotten.

He said: "Beni is here to play football. What has gone on in the past has gone. He just wants to concentrate on playing for Bradford City, but I am sure he will want to do well when he goes back to his old club.

"We know he has qualities and they know he has qualities. We have got to put them together as a team."

City's summer signing Ashley Ward has also backed Carbone to do well for City.

"Beni is a top performer," said Ward. "He has scored some brilliant goals at this level and hopefully he has a few more left yet. It is great to play alongside good players because they make you look better."

With City having gained five points from five matches in the toughest start for any team in the Premiership, Hutchings is looking for the good work to continue.

He said: "We have started the season by playing two teams in the Champions League and three teams in the UEFA Cup, and we have to be pleased with the start we have made.

"Villa are a good side. It is going to be tough, but we have to be positive as well as defending properly."

Hutchings sympathised with defender Andy Myers, who will be out for six weeks after tearing his hamstring towards the end of the Arsenal match. "It is very unlucky for Andy," he said, "but it is up to others to take their chance."

Hutchings may call up City's longest serving player. Left back Wayne Jacobs has been included in an 18-man squad, with Gary Walsh, Gareth Grant and Scott Kerr added to the players on duty against Arsenal.