FORMER Saints skipper Adam Lallana is preparing himself for a rough reception from his former supporters this weekend.

The England international returns to St Mary’s for the first time since quitting the club to sign for Liverpool last June for around £25m.

The manner of his departure upset many fans, and Lallana knows he could be singled out for jeers from the stands on Sunday.

“Football is a fickle game, and if I get the jeers and the boos I will just take it that they (the Saints fans) miss me, they miss me playing down there.

“I miss them, I miss the times I had at Southampton. I knew I would, because I had some fantastic times there.”

Lallana made his Saints debut in August 2006, and went on to appear in 235 league appearances for the club, scoring 48 goals.

He has so far scored four league goals for Liverpool in 14 starts plus two sub appearances, and also netted the Reds’ winning goal in last weekend’s FA Cup tie at Saints’ conquerors Crystal Palace.