Matty Cash is relishing his return to action for Aston Villa as he gears up for a game against familiar foes on Monday night.
After missing the last two matches through injury, the full-back is in contention to feature at the City Ground against his former side Nottingham Forest.
And despite a tough start to life in the Premier League, Cash knows that Forest and their fans can’t be underestimated.
“The City Ground, I’ve played there many times so I know what the fans are like and I know they can change it [the atmosphere] in seconds,” he said.
“I know the league position they’re in isn’t great, but I know that the City Ground is their 12th man.
“We know that we’ve got to go there and get a good result. They’re a good side with good players.
“We’re not looking at their league position. We’ll give them respect and it should be a good game.”
He added: “Since I left, I’ve been looking forward to the day that I go back.
“I was there for six or seven years and I did a lot for the club. The club did a lot for me as well, so it’s mutual.”
After joining as a 17-year-old, Cash made 141 appearances for the Reds before Villa swooped in to sign him in September 2020.
The defender was the only Villan to play a part in every Premier League game last season, and he hasn’t been accustomed to spending time on the sidelines.
However, Cash says he has used the past month to his advantage.
He said: “When I picked up the injury, I knew I was going to be out for three to four weeks, and it gave me a bit of time to reflect and look at things I need to work on.
“It’s been frustrating to miss out on games but now I’m back I’m excited and looking forward to it.”
Cash added: “When it happens you can’t take it back, so you need to look at working on different things in your game and putting some time into the gym and other things like that.
“I’ve tried to make it a positive one.”
Cash limped off in the first half of a 1-1 draw against Manchester City, and the team have since beaten Southampton and played out a draw away at Leeds United.
The 25-year-old is excited to return to the fold as he bids to help Villa push up the table.
“We’re unbeaten in three and I think we’ve played some nice football, especially against Leeds,” he said.
“There were spells where we played really good stuff. In the league, every game is tough – especially going away to Elland Road.
“Next up we’ve got Forest at the City Ground, which is another tough place to go. Fingers crossed we can keep working hard and progressing on the pitch.”
