Burnley's Martin Dubravka looks ahead to 'strange' and 'emotional' Newcastle United return
One Burnley player will have mixed emotions when he steps foot inside St James’ Park tomorrow.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka returns to Newcastle for the first time since leaving the North East to join the Clarets during the summer.
The Slovakian international spent seven years with the club, made 179 appearances and built up a close bond with the fanbase.
But now, his focus is on earning Burnley some much-needed points to end their five-game losing run.
"It will be a strange feeling, because I represented the club for seven years,” he told Burnley’s official website.
"I've played at St. James' Park almost 100 times so I know how it is to be playing for them, now it's going to be the first time playing against them.
"I'm really looking forward to going back and seeing so many old faces, teammates, coaches, staff, fans, everyone, but I'm representing Burnley now so I need to approach the game in the right mentality and the preparation will be no different and all the Newcastle guys know me well enough, I want to win."
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To make the occasion even more emotional, both of Dubravka’s children will be in attendance.
"I hope it's a good reception, I think it will be,” he added. “I spent some real time there and the fans were amazing with me and even now still are. When I joined Burnley I got so many messages wishing me luck and I really do appreciate it.
"Also, both my kids will be there too, they are both Geordies, they were both born in Newcastle and it will also be a nice day for them.
"It will probably be a little bit emotional for me, because I never really imagined playing against Newcastle for another club in the Premier League, so it's going to be an interesting day that's for sure, but my full focus is on the match first and getting a result for Burnley."
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