Chopra ready for Newcastle test

Last updated : 04 February 2010 By BBC Sport

Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra is eager to score against boyhood team Newcastle United on Friday night.But the former Magpies frontman says he will not celebrate if he hits the back of the net at St James' Park, even though he wants the win for Cardiff.

"If I score I won't celebrate because I've still got respect for the fans," Chopra told BBC Sport Wales.

"I still go and watch the team and I still support the team, but I'll just be hoping that I can get a goal."

Chopra joined Cardiff from Newcastle on a £500,000 transfer in time for the 2006-7 season, signing a three-year deal.

Such was the 26-year-old's impact that season, scoring 22 Championship goals, that Sunderland bought the player for a fee believed to be £5m.

Chopra failed to settle at Sunderland - the arch-rivals of his formative club Newcastle - and he returned to Cardiff midway through the 2008-9 season, first on loan and then on a permanent deal.

And whatever abuse he may get from the stands on Friday night, Chopra says it will not put him off - because it cannot be worse than playing there for the Black Cats.

"I'm prepared for it," Chopra said. "The first time I went [back] there, when I was a Sunderland player it was hard because I didn't really know what to expect.

"I've been there and played for the worst enemies then, there's no doubt I'll get stick but I'll take it in good heart.

"I'm a strong-minded person, I'll blank it all out and hopefully if I can get a goal then that might shut a few of the fans up!

"There's a fantastic fan-base up there and a great stadium as well. You know that you're going to get at least 40,000 there, which is fantastic for a Championship club.

"For the lads that haven't played there it's going to be a great experience and... hopefully we can get the right result."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport