Bristol Rovers defender Byron Anthony had his first taste of competitive action as a professional footballer in the Carling Cup – when Lennie Lawrence handed him his Cardiff City debut in 2004.

It turned into a night to remember for the Welshman, who marked the occasion by scoring his side's final goal in a 4-1 victory at MK Dons.

It was one of only two first-team appearances Anthony was to make during a five-year stint at Ninian Park – both came in the same competition – but he returns to his former club this evening hoping that he can help Bristol Rovers progress to the third round of the tournament for the first time in almost a decade.

The last time came back in 2000, when the Pirates overcame Plymouth and then Everton on penalties before suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Sunderland. "Of course it will be nice going back to the club where I started my career – and the chance to play in the new stadium means it's a trip to relish," said Anthony.

"It's a bit different from the old, rusty Ninian Park where the camber on the playing surface meant you couldn't really see the other side of the pitch if you were sat in the dug-out.

"The crowd were very close to the pitch and the people on the terraces were right in your face if you were taking a throw-in. It could be quite intimidating.

"But they have moved to a bigger stadium now and have their sights on a place in the Premier League."

Cardiff, FA Cup finalists two seasons ago, underlined their potential at the weekend by moving to the top of the Championship after a 3-0 win over Bristol City. "They have got a decent squad and have had one for the past four or five years. They gave Bristol City a good hammering on Sunday, but we'll be looking to go there and get a good result," said Anthony.

"I watched the game on Sunday on TV and was very impressed with a lot of their players. It's going to be a tough test for us, but one we are looking forward to.

"I know a couple of the Cardiff players – Darcy Blake and Joe Ledley were there while I was at the club. But as well as a new stadium they have had a big turnover of players as well.

"Joe has been linked with quite a few clubs, including Stoke and Everton, but nothing has come of it so far. He is a good player, though, and I'm sure he'll play at the top level one day.

"They are looking to get promoted this year. Last season was a disappointment for them because they faded away after being in the play-off spots for a long time.

"This season I'm sure their target is one of the two automatic promotion slots. They have started very strongly and if they keep that going, I'm sure they'll get there."

Cardiff have won all three games staged at their new home so far, scoring 10 goals in the process. And although Rovers have been in good form too and head into tonight's clash looking for their fifth victory on the bounce, they have hardly covered themselves in Carling Cup glory in recent seasons.

Though their runs to the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the last eight of the FA Cup remain fairly fresh memories for Gasheads, the Pirates have been put out of the League Cup by the likes of Luton Town (2006) and Boston United (2002).

"We played West Ham in the second round a few years ago after beating Crystal Palace, which was a difficult game," said Anthony.

"You are always looking to play a bigger and better team every time you progress and hopefully we can get one over on Cardiff tonight.

"I thought we did well against Huddersfield on Saturday, dominated most of the game and restricted them to very few chances. We were delighted with that and it has given us confidence we can take into tonight's game and then on into Saturday's trip to Wycombe."