DERBY goal-hero Marcus Bent is bracing himself for a hostile reception when he returns to his former club Crystal Palace tonight.

Bent went from hero to villain in the eyes of all Palace fans after Neil Ruddock was sent off following a clash with the 22-year-old in Sheffield United's heated 1-0 win at Selhurst Park earlier in the season.

Tonight Ruddock and Palace will be looking for revenge.

But, after coming through Sunday's blood and thunder contest with Burnley at Turf Moor unscathed, Bent is ready to face the flak.

"It was strange when I went there earlier in the season because I was cheered on and then booed off," said Bent.

"We were battling all through the game then Ruddock put in a harsh challenge and got sent off.

"But there's no hard feelings on my part because challenges are part and parcel of the game.

"So I'm sure I could be in for a warm reception tonight.

"I'll be disappointed if I get booed.

"But if you want to know all about intimidation then just play in a Burnley-Blackburn derby.

"Whatever we are faced with tonight should be tame in comparison."

Despite that flashpoint, Bent is still relishing the prospect of renewing acquaintances with some old friends.

It was at Selhurst where the Hammersmith-born striker got a brief taste of life in the Premiership.

And, boosted by his first goal in a Rovers shirt on Sunday, he travels South boasting an impressive goals ratio from previous visits to his old hunting ground.

"I always like going back to play in London because it's where I was brought up," said Bent. "But I particularly like playing at Palace because I think I've scored on every occasion I've been back since.

"I still keep in touch with the likes of Clinton Morrison and Hayden Mullins when I get the chance.

"There's a lot of talent at Palace and Alan Smith seems to be bringing it out at the minute." Morrison is the man in form having slammed home 10 goals in his previous 11 games to propel Palace up the First Division table on the back of an 12 game unbeaten run.

And Bent believes his old sparring partner could pose a few questions of Rovers' defence tonight.

"Clint's the dangerman, without a doubt," said Bent.

"He's on fire at the moment and it's a long time overdue.

"He's had a few injuries which have kept him out for a while in the past but I'm proud of the way he's bounced back.

"Every time I watch them on telly he always seems to score.

"So he's one we'll definitely have to keep a close eye on."

As for Bent, he chose the perfect moment to get off the mark in his Rovers career during Sunday's frenetic derby date with Burnley.

And, as he begins to find his feet following a recent £2.1 million move from Sheffield United, he hopes it could signal the opening of the floodgates.

"People keep asking me if it's a relief to score but it wasn't particularly," said Bent.

"I know I'm here to score goals but I'd only played in two games before that and I'm still getting used to the different style of play.

"At Blackburn we try to pass the ball a bit more than they did at Sheffield where they play more of a long ball game.

"It's also brilliant playing upfront alongside the likes of Mark Hughes because he was one of my idols."