Darren Bent won't celebrate if he scores at Sunderland for Aston Villa

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent will keep his emotions under wraps if he scores on his return to Sunderland.

The England international swapped the Stadium of Light for Villa Park for a club-record £24million in January, but has such respect for his former club that he will stay low-key should he hit the back of the net on Saturday.

Bent said: "Whatever happens, I will not celebrate if I score. There won't be any badge-kissing or anything like that because I had such good times up there.

"I have huge respect for the people at Sunderland and what they did for me. The way it came to an end was really disappointing, because I felt like all the good work I did went out of the window.

"But I will always – always – look back on it with very fond memories, regardless of the reception I get at the weekend."