Darren Bent has said there is “not a chance” of him celebrating, should he score a debut goal for Derby County at Portman Road tomorrow.

The former Blues striker, who has signed on-loan for Derby until the end of the season, should feature at some stage as Steve McClaren’s third-placed Rams attempt to inflict just a second defeat in 22 league and cup games on second-top Town.

The 30-year-old left Suffolk almost ten years ago, signing for then-Premier League side Charlton Athletic, having twice come close to reaching the top flight with the Blues – Town missing out in the play-offs in both 2004 and 2005.

Bent’s goalscoring exploits at The Valley saw Tottenham make a multi-million pound swoop for his services, before he moved on to Sunderland, where he earned England recognition.

The 13-cap international has since had loan spells at Fulham, in the Premier League, and at Championship side Brighton, having found himself out of favour at Aston Villa.

Out-of-contract at Villa Park in the summer, Bent is desperate to get back in the goals, but will cut a subdued figure should he net tomorrow.

“I won’t be celebrating, not a chance,” said Bent, who has scored debut goals for five of the seven clubs he has represented.

“I have too much respect for the club and how they helped me achieve what I have in the game.

“Ipswich has a special place in my heart, the club gave me the platform to perform and I built up a good relationship with the fans and staff.

“It will be strange going back and I would like to think I would get a good reception, I have no reason not to.

“I have always spoken well of the club and have some great memories but you never know, there may some fans that thought I left too early.”

In today’s EADT and Ipswich Star - Darren Ambrose reveals the pranks, scrapes and japes he and Bent used to get up to as Ipswich Town youngsters.