Former Newcastle player Jermaine Jenas is relishing his return to St James' Park on Monday.
Midfielder expecting hostile Toon reception
Former Newcastle player Jermaine Jenas is relishing his return to St James' Park on Monday - and is aiming to help his new team Tottenham secure all three Premier League points.
The midfielder is sure to come in for some stick from the home fans after he was quoted as saying he did not want to stay in the 'goldfish bowl' of Newcastle as the reason for his departure to Spurs in 2005.
The 24-year-old is adamant he did not say those words - although if he is targeted by the crowd, he will turn it to his advantage.
Concern
Jenas 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 to going up there and trying to get the three points regardless of whatever stick I might get. You can use the stick to your advantage if you are that type of person."
A reflective Jenas has fond memories of his time at Newcastle, which included UEFA Champions League football.
"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."
Frustrating
Jenas has been capped for England 15 times but has been out of the squad recently, so it made for a frustrating recent international break.
He said: "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."
