Jermaine Pennant is ready to face a barrage of boos when Aston Villa visit Stoke on Monday night. The winger is currently on loan with the Potters from Spanish side Real Zaragoza after enduring a nightmare season in Spain.
But the former Birmingham player, who is gearing up for some stick from Villa fans, believes it will only help him become an instant hero in the eyes of the Potters' faithful.
The 27-year-old winger said in the Daily Star Sunday: "I'm sure I will get a bit of stick being an ex-Blues boy but I'm looking forward to it. Getting the abuse and the stick is what players fight for.
"It makes you do even better. I usually get abuse from the Stoke fans - fierce abuse down the years.
"Hopefully I can give them something to cheer about this time."
The former Arsenal and Liverpool man admits to missing English football during his time in Spain, but he is willing to knuckle down under Stoke boss Tony Pulis.
"I have missed the Premier League. I know how tough it is but I want to deliver.
"Getting a permanent move here is definitely an incentive.
"The gaffer has had a good chat with me and made it clear what he expects."
