MENTION his last visit to St James’ Park and Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique visibly winces.

A year has passed since the Spaniard suffered a chastening afternoon on his return to the North East but the memories are still painfully fresh ahead of today’s reunion with Newcastle United.

His every touch was booed and he was taunted mercilessly by the supporters who once saluted him as the Reds slumped to a miserable 2-0 defeat inflicted by two goals from Papiss Cisse.

The final insult came seven minutes from time. After Pepe Reina was sent off for shoving his head in the direction of James Perch, the Reds had used all three substitutions and Enrique was asked to take over in goal.

“That was not a good day for me,” Enrique said. “I can play like a keeper against some teams but not against my old team. It wasn’t good. I was a bit angry with Kenny (Dalglish) about that but that’s all in the past now.

“I hope I never finish another game against Newcastle playing in goal. It was such a bad moment for me. We didn't play well and lost the game.

“But I’m not thinking about that any more. I’m hoping that this time we will play better and get the three points.”

Enrique became a fans’ favourite at Newcastle following his arrival from Villarreal in 2007 – being crowned Player of the Season when the Magpies won promotion to the Premier League in 2009/10. However, his decision to join Liverpool in a £6million deal in the summer of 2011 soured that relationship.

Toon supporters also took offence to Enrique’s prediction when he arrived at Anfield that having sold off their best players Newcastle would struggle to finish in the top six.

His fears proved unfounded as Alan Pardew’s side ended up fifth but this term they have plummeted and are only six points above the drop zone.

Enrique is unconcerned about the prospect of receiving another hot reception today.

“I am really looking forward to going back there,” he insisted. “I know I won’t have a really good welcome, but it’s still a good place for me to go. I did really well when I was there – that’s why I am a Liverpool player today.

“I am really happy about what I achieved at Newcastle and how they treated me. They gave me the opportunity to play in England and to play in the Premier League. I will always be grateful to them for that.

“Andy (Carroll) was in our team as well last season so I expected us to both get some stick. Their fans didn’t like it when I said I didn’t think they would finish in the top six if they allowed their top players to leave, but they took my words the wrong way. I was happy to see them playing really well.

“For me, it’s fine. I don’t hold a grudge. I don’t treat people badly. If they want to give me a bad reception again this time then that’s fine. It’s up to them but I will be good to them.

“I know they are now fighting against relegation from the Premier League and I hope they stay up. I am playing for Liverpool now and I will try my best to win the game for my club. But after Saturday I hope Newcastle win the rest of their games.”

Luis Suarez’s bite on Branislav Ivanovic overshadowed what was an impressive second-half fightback from the Reds in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

Enrique believes Brendan Rodgers’ side showed they aren’t prepared to allow this season to just peter out.

The defender has his sights set on overhauling sixth-placed Everton. The Blues, who visit Anfield next Sunday, are five points better off with four games remaining.

“I think we deserved to beat Chelsea,” Enrique said.

“They had two chances and scored two goals. We were a bit unlucky as we outplayed them and created a lot of chances, but in the end we had to be happy with a point, especially scoring in the last second.

“To get a point against Chelsea isn’t bad and now we hope we can finish the season strongly and get above Everton.

“If we keep playing like we did in the second half against Chelsea then we’ll have a great chance of achieving that. We just need a bit more luck in order to turn those draws into wins. I know it’s difficult for us to play for Europe now but we have to try to be as high as we can.”

Enrique is hoping to see more of the same from Daniel Sturridge, who will lead the line in the absence of Suarez. The £12milion striker made a huge impact after being brought on for the second half last Sunday.

“Daniel changed the game for us,” Enrique added. “He was the best player on the pitch against Chelsea.

“From the moment he came on he did so well. He hit the post, scored a goal and then created the equaliser for Luis. Daniel showed what a great player he is.”