IT might be a case of 'Friends Reunited' at Villa Park tomorrow - but Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is desperate to give former United favourite Nolberto Solano an afternoon to forget.

Solano will line up against his former teammates for the first time after making a £1.5m move from Tyneside in January.

That ended a five-and-a-half year association with the Magpies that had seen the Peruvian international establish himself as a firm favourite amongst players and fans alike.

But, with Villa just one point behind United in the chase for a Champions League spot, Given insists that there will be no room for sentiment when Solano crosses Newcastle's path tomorrow.

"The lads will treat Nobby with a lot of respect because they know how good a player he is," said the Republic of Ireland international, who will make his 124th consecutive Premiership appearance at Villa Park.

"He was a great servant to Newcastle. The fans liked him a lot and I'm sure he'll get a good reception from them as well.

"He's said he's not going to celebrate if he scores against us - but we'll just have to make sure he doesn't get the chance.

"He's done well and he's probably one of the main reasons why Aston Villa have turned things around in the way that they have. He's helped to improve the team and it will be nice to see him again on Sunday."

Newcastle have already seen one of their former sons come back to haunt them this season when Lomana LuaLua was allowed to score a last-gasp equaliser for Portsmouth despite still being contracted to the Magpies.

LuaLua infuriated the United faithful by celebrating right in front of them at Fratton Park but, after scoring 29 goals in 158 league starts in the black and white of Newcastle, Solano has pledged to keep his cool if he finds the back of the net tomorrow.

"All I can say is that I will do everything on the pitch to help Villa win the game," said the 29-year-old. "But if I score then I will have done the job that I am paid for.

"I will not celebrate as I want nothing to come between me and the Newcastle people. The fans gave so much to me and, while I will play to the best of my ability, I will not do anything to hurt or insult them.

"I know that Lomana reacted to scoring against Newcastle but I also know this was not aimed at the fans. He got on well with the supporters and it was unjust that many took his reaction as an insult against them.

"My Newcastle career is in the past now and my future is with Aston Villa. My time here is going better than I had hoped for and I've absolutely no regrets about my choice of club."

Villa have lost just one of their last six games as they have burst into the Champions League picture but, while David O'Leary's side is peaking at exactly the right time, Newcastle could not be more buoyant themselves after Wednesday night's thrilling UEFA Cup win over PSV Eindhoven.

That win has set up the mouthwatering prospect of a last-four clash with French side Marseille and, with Thursday's first leg sandwiching crucial league games against Villa and Chelsea, United are about to embark on a seven-day spell that could make or break their season.

Given's late save from Wilfred Bouma's free-kick proved critical in Wednesday's European win and, while the Magpies have hardly had time to catch their breath since the PSV success, the 27-year-old is delighted to be in the midst of such a crucial run of games.

"The games are coming thick and fast and we haven't had too much time to celebrate the victory over PSV," said Given.

"But there's a real buzz about Newcastle United right now. The players are very excited and we can't wait to get out there again and face Aston Villa.

"They're flying and they'll be full of confidence after beating Chelsea last weekend. We know what's at stake and nobody needs to remind us just how important the Premiership is.

"After a slow start, our season is suddenly looking good. We're at the business end of the year and we need to keep on winning.

"We're looking at the games to come and every one is there to be won. Champions League football is what we want. One thing's for sure - our season isn't over yet."

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