Albion keeper Scott Carson will return to Villa Park on Saturday insisting he has no regrets over the frustrating end to his Villa career.

The England shot-stopper says he is not bitter about Martin O’Neill’s decision not to turn his season-long loan into a permanent switch from Liverpool.

“There was a choice that Martin O’Neill had to make and there was a route he decided to go down,” said Carson, who made way at Villa for summer signing Brad Friedel, who arrived from Blackburn Rovers.

“I’m glad I signed here and I am very happy and really enjoying it here.

“I’ve got no complaints. I really enjoyed Villa and had a good time there. They were a good set of lads and it was a good learning curve for me. I was grateful that I got the chance to have a season there.

“I speak to a couple of the lads now and then but it’s a busy schedule so you don’t really get too much time to speak to people.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday. It’s the first time I have been back and I’m hoping we can put a good performance in and hopefully get something out of the game.”

Carson says he and fellow Villa old-boy Luke Moore will be on hand to offer Albion tips on their former team mates.

But the keeper does not believe his advice will be needed.

“I think their strengths are there for everyone to see. Villa are a great side,” he said. “They have probably surprised people to a certain extent by doing well consistently against the big sides.

“If we can give any pointers then we probably will but I think everyone can see Villa’s strengths and the gaffer and the coaching staff will know more than we do.”

And Carson reckons his former club have the weapons to fend off the challenge of Arsenal and hold onto fourth place in the Premier League.

“I think they can do it,” he said. “It’s going to be difficult because Arsenal are a great side who play good football.

“But Villa have started really well and the key is that they have been really consistent. I think they have a good chance of staying in the top four.”

l Tickets have gone on sale for Albion’s FA Cup third round replay at Peterborough next Tuesday (7.45pm). The Baggies have received an initial 1,600 ticket allocation with 600 seats and 1,000 terrace spots for the London Road rematch.

Adult prices are £20 per seat and £15 for standing and concession prices are £5 for seats or standing.

Tickets are currently on sale to both away and home season ticket holders. Tickets will be available to members from Friday and will go on general sale on Saturday.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Premier League clash with Manchester United at The Hawthorns on January 27 will go on sale tomorrow to season ticket holders and members with 80 or more loyalty points.

Subject to availability, seats will be available to season ticket holders and members with 75 points or more from Monday.