CHERRIES star Brett Pitman says he will have nothing to prove when he locks horns with former club Bristol City in a pre-season friendly.

Pitman, who left Ashton Gate in November, is set to face the relegated Robins at Dean Court on Saturday, July 27 (3pm kick-off).

The 25-year-old, who spearheaded Cherries' promotion to the Championship by netting 19 times in just 26 appearances, joined City in a £550,000 move in August 2010.

However, despite hitting 13 goals in his first season, Pitman fell out of favour following the arrival of Derek McInnes as manager and his chances were limited under the Scotsman.

Pitman, who scored for City in a friendly at Dean Court in August 2012, notched 20 goals in the Championship for the Robins and is relishing the chance to pit his wits against them.

The Jerseyman progressed through the Cherries ranks under Sean O'Driscoll, the man who replaced McInnes in the Ashton Gate hot-seat in January.

Pitman, who was handed his full league debut by O'Driscoll in February 2006, said: “Although I felt I didn't really get a fair crack of the whip at Bristol City, that is all in the past now and I am looking forward to playing them.

“A lot has changed at the club since I was there and they are in good hands under Sean O'Driscoll. He is an excellent manager and gets his teams playing the right way so it will be a good test for us. I won't have anything to prove to them and my focus will be on preparing for the new season with us.”

News of Cherries' friendly against Bristol City was revealed on our Twitter feed on Sunday with the club also expected to play Conference outfit Woking during their warm-up campaign.

Eddie Howe's men will meet FC Zurich in Switzerland on Friday, July 5 before hosting Premier League West Ham in Stephen Purches's testimonial on Saturday, July 13.