Loan man Fabian Delph admits he can't wait to pull on a Leeds United shirt again following his return to the club where he learned his trade.

The Aston Villa midfielder is a product of the Leeds Academy and made 56 appearances for the club before moving to the Midlands in the summer of 2009.

He has made 36 appearances for the Premier League club, but admits when the opportunity arose to move out on loan, initially until February 25, there was only one club he wanted to join.

"I always thought I'd be back at some point, but not this quick," he said. "I'm excited to be here and am looking forward to the challenge.

"I'd spoken with the manager at Villa about getting out and playing some games, and finding some form, and that's how it's come about.

"This was the only place I really wanted to come to and as soon as I knew Leeds were interested I was 100 per cent coming here."

Since leaving Elland Road, the Bradford-born midfielder has suffered a turbulent time with injuries, including a knee ligament injury which sidelined him for a long period.

"I started flying at Villa and Martin O'Neill bedded me in by taking me in and out," he explained. "But I suffered the injury which was pretty horrible and have had a couple of others, and just need to get that spark back a bit."

The loan move brings Fab back 'home' to the club where it all started.

"I was brought up here," he said. "When I was 11 I was a bit of a rogue, but I learnt discipline here and the club changed me into being a little man.

"I got my opportunity here and when I played every week I enjoyed wearing the shirt so much. I was disappointed to leave, but joining Villa was good for me and the move benefited everyone.

"I forged some good bonds with people while I was here - Snoddy and Luciano are still here and a few others - and every time Leeds play I have kept in touch with the scores.

"Some of the younger players have come in and done well which I always expected them to as well.

"I watched the Arsenal game the other week and they played some really good stuff. Hopefully that's what we can do every week."

Having made his debut for the club back in May 2007 when the club was relegated to League One, he will return to a Championship club and is likely to make his second debut against Ipswich Town at Elland Road on Saturday.

"I'm excited about the challenge," he said.

"What will people see different about me? I think I'm mentally stronger than I was and probably tackle even more. I think people also know that I've always been the sort of player who gives 200 per cent every time I go out on the pitch.

"I've been training with good players at Villa, and you have to say that the Premier League is probably the best in the world.

"I'm happy be back here, though, and am looking forward to getting started. The training session on Friday morning was like I'd never been away in that it was a short and sharp, and enjoyable.

"Hopefully it's done me some good getting ready for Saturday and hopefully we can push on and get up the table.