James Coppinger knows what it is like to play in front of over 40,000 Geordies at St James' Park

The Doncaster Rovers star spent four years at the club, making his first-team debut in a home Premier Division game as a 19-year-old during Bobby Robson's time in charge. That was the highlight of Coppinger's time on Tyneside and he eventually asked to be released from his contract due to the lack first-team opportunities. He said: "It was looking increasingly unlikely that I would be offered a new deal and I was at an age where I wanted to be playing first-team football. "It was disappointing leaving a club I had supported and it could have backfired on me, but it was probably the best thing I ever did joining Exeter and from there I was snapped up by Doncaster. "I've no regrets about joining Newcastle because I learnt so much there which has stood me in good stead throughout my career. "Looking back I don't think that I was prepared mentally or strong enough physically. My hat goes off to all the young lads who make their debut in the Premier League because people don't understand what you need and what it takes to play at that level. "I feel that I'm going back to Newcastle a lot better player. I just wish that I knew then what I know now because things could have turned out differently. "But, as I say, I've got no complaints because I've had a good career, winning two promotions and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, whilst at Doncaster and playing in the Championship. "I don't feel that I've anything to prove to anyone at Newcastle and, like the rest of the lads, I'm looking forward to playing at St James' Park - not least because I've never seen support like that in my life. "It is not going to be an emotional return because it was that long ago that it seems like a different life, to be honest. "But I am looking forward to testing myself against the quality players they've got and if we can go there and express ourselves, hopefully we'll come away with a result. "They made a good start to the season after being relegated, but they have hit a bad patch of late and haven't won in four games. "There still seems to be turmoil behind the scenes, but, as I say, they've got some good players - a lot with Premiership experience. "They have come down a level and you never know how people are going to react but I think they've done well - apart from their last two games. I've still got friends up there and they got frustrated last season with the fact that some of their players didn't seem interested. That for a Newcastle fan, because of how committed they are, was hard to take."