SATURDAY will be like taking a step back in time for me.

I had many a battle with my old pal George Boateng during Middlesbrough training sessions.

In fact, he taught me and a few of the youngsters at the Riverside a thing or two and I'm looking forward to going head-to-head with him when Hull come to The Hawthorns.

I can't thank him enough for what he did for me.

It will be good to see him again.

He was a brilliant role-model to the young lads at Boro.

If you wanted to talk about something, he'd always be there.

He's a top bloke and what he's done in his career makes him a credit to football.

He's changing his game a little now he's 33 but he's an experienced player and experience helps in this business.

I'll send George a few texts before Saturday and speak to him afterwards because he is a good friend.

It's going to be a tough game because they are flying at the moment in third place.

They are a well-organised team and will be a threat.

They've added some quality in the summer in Geovanni and they've bought some physical players in like George and ex-Baggie Paul McShane.

We'll need to be right on our game because they'll be full of confidence, especially as they are unbeaten on the road in the Barclays Premier League.

We need to win our home games and this is one we think we can win.

We're not getting carried away, but apart from the big-four teams, anyone can beat anyone.

Our fans have been brilliant this year and another sell-out at The Hawthorns could give us that little edge.

It's going to be tight and you never know what might decide the game.

It might be a set-play.

If we go ahead like we did against them at the KC Stadium last season, when I scored our second in a 3-1 win, we'll need to stay tight at the back.

It's going to be a difficult few days with a trip to Newcastle to come on Tuesday.

But it can't be any tougher than our last away day!

We knew what Manchester United were going to be about.

They stepped up a gear in the second half on Saturday and showed why they are champions.

They had a few chances in the first half but the lads were happy to be going in 0-0 at the break.

We wanted a repeat performance in the second half but came under a lot of pressure and in the end their class showed.

I think the 4-0 scoreline flattered them a little bit.

But we can't be too disappointed because they are champions of Europe.

I'm sure all the boys will learn from it.

We just need to look forward now.

Training this week was as sharp as ever.

And Peter Grant's sayings have been keeping us entertained.

Granty's been coming out with some strange ones since he joined us.

The one that sticks in my mind is him telling Tininho he was playing with his jacket on!

I don't know where he got that from but it's just one of many he comes out with - and no-one understands them!

I'll have to check with my international team-mates to see if he picked them up in Scotland!

The mood in the camp is good and, whatever the result on Saturday, there won't be any excuses of tiredness against Newcastle.

I've always loved St James' Park.

It's one of my favourite grounds.

The atmosphere is always great there and it's back in my native North East. so I'll have a few friends and family there.

I played there twice for Boro, drawing 2-2 and 0-0.

Hopefully, I can get my first win there on Tuesday.

Newcastle are struggling but will take confidence from their 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Monday - a game they nearly won with ten men.

We'll just go there with a bit of belief.

Even a point away from home would be good.

PIC: BY GEORGE...Boateng in action for Hull