Constantine was part of United's squad for almost a year but he was not a player with whom the club's fans ever had the chance to become familiar. A trail of injuries and perpetual misfortune meant his influence at Elland Road was only fleeting.

The 30-year-old agreed to make a fresh start in June when he left Leeds to sign for Northampton and he is optimistic of being given the chance of a full appearance during tonight's first-round match.

Constantine started one game at Elland Road during his season with Leeds – a Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Bury – and played only seven times in all, the sum total of an opportunity which was always at the mercy of injuries.

The striker broke his ankle in summer 2007 and cracked a toe last November, two months before his substitute appearance against Oldham Athletic on New Year's Day – his final outing for Leeds – ended with him nursing a broken arm. But Constantine's policy was never to complain and he does not expect to feel any regret on his arrival at Elland Road this evening.

"I didn't have a lot of luck at Leeds but I can't blame anyone for that," he said. "I don't think there was anything I could have done to change my time there.

"Every injury I had was a major one and they were all unavoidable. Some players have hamstring strains that affect them right through their careers or knee problems that never heal properly but you can't really guard against broken bones. I was just unlucky.

"As far as playing football went, my time at Leeds was a big disappointment but I try not to think of it like that. I enjoyed being with the squad for a year and I appreciated the chance to be part of the club. To be honest, I've got very fond memories.

"The fans didn't see much of me but they were supportive whenever I spoke to them. I don't know whether I'll start tonight or what sort of reception I'll get but I'll enjoy going back. Hopefully, I'll enjoy the result as well."

Constantine has already made more appearances for Northampton than he recorded for Leeds, and he scored in a 3-1 defeat against Walsall on Saturday, his first goal since the opening day of the season.

The loss at Bescot Stadium was Northampton's sixth away from home and their manager, Stuart Gray, might have preferred to see tonight's televised tie drawn at Sixfields.

His squad buckled weakly during their league game at Elland Road last season but gave a more convincing performance in the return fixture. Since the start of 2008, Northampton have lost only twice at home and theirs is the only unbeaten record in League One.