JAMIE Cureton is bracing himself for a hot reception when he returns to Layer Road, in front of the Sky TV cameras, this evening (kick-off 5.20pm).The former Colchester United goal-poacher takes on his old club, hoping to propel Norwich City four points clear of the U's with a rare away victory.

By Carl Marston

JAMIE Cureton is bracing himself for a hot reception when he returns to Layer Road, in front of the Sky TV cameras, this evening (kick-off 5.20pm).

The former Colchester United goal-poacher takes on his old club, hoping to propel Norwich City four points clear of the U's with a rare away victory.

Cureton was a star performer for the U's last term, rattling in 24 goals to win the Championship's Golden Boot award. But he left under a cloud during the summer, signing for his old club Norwich while at the same accusing the U's of “lacking ambition.”

“I'm sure that I'm going to get some stick,” confessed Cureton.

“I am looking forward to going back to Layer Road. I obviously have a tie to the club, but it's nice to be going into the game above them in the table, so the fans can't give me too much stick.”

The Canaries, with new boss Glenn Roeder in charge, leapfrogged above the U's and out of the relegation zone last weekend, thanks to their fourth win in five games against Sheffield United.

The U's are looking to end a dismal run that has seen them collect just six points from their last 10 games.