Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend is expecting a frosty reception when he takes on his former club Newcastle on Saturday.

Townsend, 26, joined Palace last summer following the Magpies’ relegation to the Championship.

His stay on Tyneside only lasted half a season, but he stood out in a poor Newcastle side, scoring four goals.

Townsend returns to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving, and believes the Newcastle boo boys will be out in full force.

He said: “I'm not sure I'll get a good reception but I had a fantastic time there.

“Unfortunately it didn't end well but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there with the fans and I'm looking forward to going there and seeing a few familiar faces. I'll enjoy it.

“Ultimately we are going there for business, to win a football match and that's all I'm focused on.”

The Eagles are bottom of the Premier League, but will be buoyed after beating Chelsea last weekend.

Townsend was part of Sam Allardyce’s team that secured their top-flight safety last season. And he sees similarities between Big Sam and new Palace boss Roy Hodgson.

He added: “They like to do a lot on the training field – it’s very hands on, the pair of them.

“They like to go through every scenario that will occur on the pitch so that when it occurs you are ready for it.

“Like Sam, it wasn't a quick fix. We didn't initially pick up results but eventually you saw how well we were playing towards the end of last season and I've no doubt in my mind that we'll get to that again under Roy.”