Nathaniel Clyne is targeting another win over old club Crystal Palace when he heads back to Selhurst Park on Boxing Day.
The defender departed south London for Southampton in the summer of 2012, having started his career with the Eagles.
Saints did the double over Palace last season, winning 2-0 at St Mary’s last September before a 1-0 success at Selhurst in March of this year.
And Clyne is looking forward to another reunion with his former side this week – but wants nothing more than three points for Southampton.
“We went there last season and got the win, so we’ll be looking to do the same again,” the Londoner told saintsfc.co.uk .
“We played well that day, so hopefully we can play well and win again. We’ve got the players and the ability to go on and win.
“It was strange to go back there [last season] and go into the away dressing room rather than the home dressing room, and to see all of the old faces – it’ll be nice to see them again.
“The fans will be nice to me and will give me a round of applause like last time, so hopefully I can enjoy the game and we can go for the three points.”
Clyne in action for Palace in 2011 [Credit: Christopher Lee/Getty Images]
Saints go into Christmas on the back of last weekend’s heartening 3-0 win over Everton, which arrested a five-game losing run.
That game saw Clyne play in a wing-back position as injuries and suspensions forced Ronald Koeman to adopt a 3-5-2 system – something the 23 year-old admits was a physical test but one he enjoyed.
“It was a bit difficult because I had to defend and also go up and get forward, so there was a lot of running for me,” he said.
“I think the data system showed I ran the most in the whole game. I’m fit enough to do it, so I’m happy to do it whether we play [the system] in the next game or not.
“I’ve recovered well and I’m raring to go against Crystal Palace.
“I think the team needed that win,” continued Clyne. “Against Everton we put on a good performance, we were solid at the back and we were good going forward.
“It definitely boosted the morale in the camp. We created lots of chances and we merited our victory.”
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