Veteran Southend United defender Rob Newman is relishing the thought of doing battle against his former Norwich City team mates in a pre-season friendly at Roots Hall.

The 35-year-old, who joined Blues on a free transfer from Carrow Road last year, has fond memories of the First Division club after clocking up 249 appearances in seven-years with the Canaries.

During his time with the Norfolk outfit, Newman enjoyed Premiership football, European action against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and an FA Cup semi-final.

However, all those glory days will be at the back of Newman's mind tonight (Friday) as he attempts to help Southend clip the Canaries' wings.

"I've never played against one of my old teams before so I'm looking forward to facing my former Norwich team mates tonight," said the big stopper.

"I still live in Norwich and I know about 80 per cent of the first team squad at Carrow Road, so it will be good to see a few familiar faces.

"But it will seem strange lining up against players who I know so well and still keep in touch with, like Peter Grant and Iwan Roberts, and I'm sure there will be plenty of banter flying about."

However, Newman said he wouldn't be doing his former team mates any favours out on the Roots Hall pitch.

"I've got wonderful memories of my time at Norwich, which was probably the pinnacle of my career, but I'm a Southend player now and I want us to go out and win this match," he added.

Southend boss Alan Little will also be looking forward to seeing a familiar face at Roots Hall this evening when he reacquaints himself with Norwich manager Bruce Rioch.

"I know Bruce well and it will be nice to see him again," said the Shrimpers chief.

"When I was a young apprentice at Aston Villa I used to clean Bruce's boots and look after his kit and he also signed me as a player when he was manager at Torquay United.

"But he'll want to come here and beat me tonight because he's a tough man - he was a hard player and his reputation has followed him into management."

Little said he expected tonight's match with Norwich, which kicks-off at 7.45pm, to be an entertaining affair which Southend fans should enjoy.

"Norwich's quality will provide a stern test for the senior men in my squad, who I expect to go out and give a good account of themselves."

Little's only injury doubt ahead of tonight's clash is new striker Neil Tolson, who is rated 50/50 with an ankle knock picked up in training.

Rob Newman - relishing Norwich battle

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