Aston Villa defender James Collins has revealed the determination of his centre-back partner Richard Dunne to show Manchester City what they are missing in tonight's Barclays Premier League clash at Villa Park.

Dunne spent nine years with City before finding himself surplus to requirements after the signing of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott and moved to Villa five weeks ago.

His partnership with Collins quickly gelled although Villa suffered a blip when losing 2-1 at Blackburn nine days ago after a run of four successive league wins.

Collins said: "I watched Dunney when at my previous club and always knew he was a great player and a fantastic defender. Playing alongside him is great.

"I am sure Richard is looking forward to it. It's always nice to play against your old clubs.

"Richard was there for a long time. He has a lot of friends there and, at home in front of his new fans, he will want to impress.

"Was I surprised City let him go? Yes, I was a little bit. They spent a lot of money on the two centre-halves there and Richard obviously felt he wasn't going to get too much playing time there so he decided to move on.

"Obviously Manchester City were disappointed but it's great for Aston Villa to have such a great player here.

"It's only been a few games but straightaway you can tell he's top drawer. He's a big fella, commanding and talks very well. He makes it quite easy to play alongside him."

Collins, a £5million capture from West Ham, added: "In the first few games, we got off to a great start and we were delighted with that.
"Last Saturday (at Blackburn) we have to forget. The sooner we can get the clean sheets back, the better."

Tonight's game will also mark the first return of former Villa skipper Gareth Barry since his £12million summer move to City after clocking up more than 400 appearances in 12 years at the midlands club.

But winger Ashley Young believes Villa have already proved they are learning to cope without Barry after their solid start to the season.

He said: "Everyone was talking about whether we could cope without Gareth - and we have. Gareth, of course, was a massive loss but you have to move on.

"I think we have done that with four wins in the first six league games. This is as good a start as any season we have had recently and we now need to build from there.

"We have a really good squad and there is real competition for places."

Steve Sidwell could return in midfield after missing the last two matches with a thigh strain.