But Villa's £18million signing insists finding the net will always remain his number one target ahead of tonight's home clash with Manchester City.

Former Villa striker Collymore recognises Bent's scoring prowess but claims his all-round game is "D-grade" and that the 26-year-old was "massively overpriced".

But Bent has faith in his ability after his move from Sunderland in midweek and is relishing his first start for his new club.

Bent said: "There's more to me than goals. People always have opinions.

"Stan Collymore might say something and someone else will say something else. The game is about opinions.

"If you are frontman what are you paid to do? Answer, it's to put the ball in the back of the net.

"If I played extravagantly well every week but never scored, people would be like 'what's he doing, what purpose is he serving?'

"You only win games by scoring goals. People say 'well your all-round game is all right' but who cares as long as the ball goes in the back of the net?"

Bent, who has already scored the winner for Sunderland against City this season, added: "People only remember people who score goals.

"If you do that and your team is winning, it doesn't really matter to be honest.

"I always remember my old coach saying to me 'if you score goals, you cover cracks.'

"It's true. You can't play well every game but it doesn't matter as long as you are affecting the game."

Bent has followed up his 25 goals last season with another 11 for the Black Cats during the current campaign but he is reluctant to set targets.

He said: "I never set targets. I just try to score as many goals as possible to be honest.

"If you set targets, you put yourself under pressure."

Bent admitted: "I'll probably get a few butterflies in my stomach because it is my debut and I want to do really well and win so badly.

"For all those reasons, I'll probably be a bit nervous.

"Being live on television (ESPN) will add to that. But it's a good thing and means you are ready for the game and ready to go."

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has claimed he is "an easy target" for Steve Bruce and Ian Holloway because he is a foreign manager.

Houllier has come in for criticism from Sunderland manager Bruce and his Blackpool counterpart Holloway over his transfer dealings involving Bent and midfielder Charlie Adam.

Bent has moved to Villa for £18million while Villa have had two bids rejected by the Tangerines for skipper Adam.

Frenchman Houllier is adamant there has been no wrongdoing on his part - or by Villa - in dealing with either club.

But, when suggested to Houllier that Bruce and Holloway should make an official complaint if they had a genuine grievance, he said: "Exactly, exactly. Good point, good point.

"But don't worry, I'm a foreign manager. I'm an easy target."

Houllier's other recent signing, Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun, is also in line to feature against City.

Winger Ashley Young will also return after missing the derby game against Birmingham through suspension - but Emile Heskey is still banned for his red card against Sunderland.