Simon Francis admits he cannot wait to see Valley Parade again on Saturday.

The former City defender returns for the first time since joining Sheffield United in a £200,000 deal two years ago.

Francis is just beginning a third month on loan with Tranmere and relishes the thought of facing the club who launched his professional career.

"I haven't been back since I left so I'm really looking forward to the game," he said. "It will be good to see a few of the lads again as well as the supporters.

"I spoke to Ben Muirhead and found out I won't have to be chasing him up and down the wing because of his hernia operation. But I definitely can't wait to play in this one.

"I really enjoyed my time there and I hope the fans treat me well, whatever the result. Both teams like to get the ball down and play and I'm sure it will be a good game to watch."

Francis burst through the City ranks after being spotted by

former assistant boss Chris Dowhan playing for his college in Nottingham.

He made his debut in his home city against Forest and went on to play 57 times.

City were forced to cash in on him during the second administration and Francis followed Andy Gray to the Blades in March 2004. But his time at Bramall Lane has been hampered by injuries.

Francis, who will be 21 next month, said: "It was all looking good when I first signed and I played regularly up to the end of that season.

"But the following year I damaged my ankle ligaments in the first game.

"Then when I returned, I did the ligaments in my knee - and it was hard to break back into the team after being out so long.

"Neil Warnock told me I

wasn't really in the picture and advised me to look for a loan move. Tranmere are a good club and I've enjoyed my stay there."

Francis admits his future in South Yorkshire is uncertain, although his contract does not run out until June 2007.

Sheffield United are keeping close tabs on his progress and Warnock would not allow Rovers to take him for the rest of the season.

He added: "I know some of the lads who've been out on loan have been in and around the team since going back -

and if they can get into the Premiership then obviously I would want to be around next season anyway.

"But I intend to talk to the manager in the summer to find out what my situation is and whether I still fit in."

Francis has played a variety of roles with the Blades, as he did at Valley Parade. But all 12 of his games in a Tranmere shirt have been at right back, a position he wants to nail down.

"It's good to be able to play in various positions but when it comes down to it you've got to have a proper role.

"I think that has possibly been my problem because people see me as someone who can fill

in rather than play in the one particular position.

"But things are going very well for me with Tranmere. When I came they were in the bottom six and nobody could quite believe it.

"We are still below halfway but we're unbeaten in seven and are only three points behind Bradford.

"That could change on Saturday, although I'm glad to see Bradford doing better at the moment. They've always been up and down but it's a good squad and they should be up there."