Newcastle United striker Michael Owen insists he will return to Liverpool this weekend with his head held high.

Owen was taunted by the Kop on Boxing Day 2005 after his move from Real Madrid upset Liverpool fans, who had expected him to return to Merseyside following his year-long stay in La Liga.

But he told the Evening Chronicle: "It will be a proud moment at Liverpool. I've only played Liverpool once since I came here.

"It'll be good and we often speak about it in the dressing room.

"Nicky Butt going back to Manchester United is similar, and it's either the best experience or the worst.

"It really is awful when you get beat and we lost 2-0 at Anfield last time.

"If you get a result at your old club it's always nice and then you can meet old friends and go knowing you gave them a really good game and got something out of it.

"You don't want to be putting your head down and sliding out a side door to get back on the coach and get up the road."