Warnock excited by Rovers return

Warnock made 109 appearances for Blackburn

Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock is looking forward to playing against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday, less than a month after leaving Rovers.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I enjoyed my time there. I always felt that a move to Blackburn was a stepping stone to a move back to a big club.

"I had the chance to play for Villa, who are as ambitious as anyone to break in to the top four. I had to take it.

"I'm not sure what reception I will get but hopefully it will be quite good."

He added: "I was fortunate to be given a chance by Blackburn and never looked at it and thought I wasn't happy at the club.

"I tried to give everything I could for the club and hopefully that will get recognised when I go back."

Warnock played in two Uefa Cup campaigns and reached the FA Cup semi-final in 2007 with Rovers and has admitted to one regret in his time with the club.

"The disappointing thing was not reaching the FA Cup final," he said. "We played Chelsea and had a cracking chance.

"I would have loved to have gone to Wembley with the club, for the first year back at Wembley. It would have been fantastic."