Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas is ready for a hostile reception from Newcastle United fans tomorrow night.
Jenas is preparing himself for more abuse from home fans for the reasons behind his departure in 2005.
The explanation was that he did not want to live in the 'goldfish bowl' of Newcastle, although the 24-year-old is adamant that was not the case.
He said: "I have never ever said those famous words really but people believe whatever they want to believe. My main concern is Tottenham and I'm looking at going up there and trying to get the three points regardless of whatever stick I might get.
Jenas has fond memories of his time at Newcastle and is hoping to contribute to a run in the Champions League at Spurs like he did at St James' Park.
"It was a great city and club to be a part of," said the midfielder. "We were very successful at the time. We had two top-four finishes as well as finishing fifth one year plus a good run in the Champions League.
"They were very exciting times, but I think the year that we didn't get into the Champions League and then went into the UEFA Cup was when things started to deteriorate a little bit."
Jenas has established himself in the Spurs side and boss Martin Jol tends to shape his midfield around the former Nottingham Forest player when fit.
He has been capped for England 15 times but has been out of the squad recently and is desperate to force his way back.
"I don't need a break, I would rather keep playing and would have preferred to have been away with England training," added Jenas. "It is just the way it is, the manager makes his decisions and it has happened to a lot of players along the way.
"I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing for Spurs and hopefully get another chance. I feel fine in myself, being out with injury doesn't help especially when you are a squad player, but I am still positive about everything.
"My main concern is Tottenham, obviously I would have liked to have been away in Russia, but I've been more than happy to come in and do my work at Spurs.
"It is frustrating, but these are the things you have to go through as a footballer sometimes. It is about how you deal with it and come out the other side."
