The Capital One Cup holders face a revitalised Owls side when the teams meet in the third round and Helan will be facing the champions for the first time since making a loan deal permanent just over a year ago.
The versatile left-sided 22-year-old played just one game for the senior team before moving to Hillsborough and he admits it will be odd coming back to face City so soon.
“It was a strange feeling in all honesty,” he said. “When you know a place and the people who work there really well, it is an unusual feeling to be going back and be in the opposition team.
It’s not like I left five years ago and I’m only now coming back – it was only a year ago that I left City and as I say, it’s a really strange feeling to be going back so soon.
Helan joined a Wednesday team who struggled in the Championship for the opening months of last season.
Dave Jones was eventually replaced as manager and things began to improve for Helan both on and off the field.
“I struggled to begin with and the whole team did in the early part of last season,” said the former France Under-19 star.
“It was tough to get going, but when Stuart Gray came in last December, we began to pick up and have been doing great ever since.
“He’s changed a lot of things including the mentality of the players and now we are going really well in the Championship and looking forward to our trip to the Etihad.
“The manager has helped me develop new skills and has really brought my game on. I’m doing different things in training and I’ve played in different positions that I’d never tried before so I’m really enjoying working with him.”
Helan says he is looking forward to seeing a few old faces on Wednesday, and one former team-mate in particular.
He said: “Dedryck Boyata is the only one of my age group who is still at City, really. I’m looking forward to catching up with him and hoping that he will feature in the game.
“We keep in touch but maybe not as much as we should. It’s harder when you’re both at different clubs and I live in Sheffield now - it was taking me 90 minutes to travel from Manchester at the beginning so I had to move.
It should be a great game. We are bringing a lot of support with us and our fans will make a lot of noise.
“They are even louder away than they are at home so I think they will really create a great atmosphere at the Etihad. They follow us in numbers everywhere and they will get behind us on Wednesday.
“I’m not a City player anymore and I don’t feel I have anything to prove to anyone. City are a huge club and need big established stars in their team to compete with the best.
“It’s harder to break through for younger players but I understand why. Of course, I want to play well and I still have affection for the club, but we are coming to try and get a result.”
There is only one way to watch Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup third round clash with Sheffield Wednesday live.
The first step towards defending our trophy won at Wembley in March will not be shown live on TV anywhere in the UK, so make sure you’re at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 24 September.
Prices start at £5 for under-16s and £15 for adults, so no excuses: get your ticket now and make sure you don’t miss out!
