The 25-year-old Australia international rejected a new contract offer from Leeds in the last European summer before agreeing a deal with the Robins.

However, Kilkenny told the Yorkshire Post he was hoping for a good response from the Whites fans after 144 appearances for the club.

“I played there for three years so I’ve not got anything to prove,” Kilkenny said. “I think I should get a good response from the crowd but maybe not from the director’s box.”

Speaking to the Bradford Telegraph & Argus, he added: “It will be a good occasion for me in one way but a sad occasion too because I didn’t want to leave.

“It’ll be a bit strange going back because of the way my time there ended but I wouldn’t say I’ve got anything to prove. I played almost 150 times over three and a half years and I think I did a good job for them.

“You want to do well for yourself and your club. It doesn’t really matter whether that’s against Leeds or anyone else.”

He added: "Some people might think I made the wrong move by coming here but it was my decision and I made it for the right reasons. I liked what the manager (Keith Millen) had to say to me. He made it clear that he wanted me here and he basically convinced me to join.

“In the long run it’s going to be a really good move. But it’s true that I never wanted to leave Leeds. It wasn’t just talk on my part. I did love my time there and I’d have liked to stay longer. I really want to stress that.”

Bristol City boss Keith Millen told the Yorkshire Post he expected Kilkenny to enjoy the atmosphere no matter the reception he receives.

“I’m sure he’s looking forward to it, he’s got the sort of personality that would thrive in the situation,” Millen said. “Even though I’m sure their fans appreciate what he did for them, they’ll be giving him some stick.

“I had a chat with him, to tell him how I see it and ask if I was missing out and if there was anything he didn’t agree with, so I’ve picked his brains on it.”

Kilkenny added he believes the pressure is on Leeds who are expected to succeed this season having narrowly missed the play-offs last term.

“Everyone knows they’ve got a lot of pressure on them from the fans and the chairman (Ken Bates). He thinks they should be in the play-offs all the time,” he said.

“There are only five players left from the starting line-up that played with me last year so they might not be playing as well.”