Smith braced for hostile reception on ‘friendly’ return to Elland Road

Smith, who quit Leeds in a £7m move seven years ago, will be lining-up for opponents Newcastle United in a friendly fixture on Sunday.

Although he has been linked with a return to Leeds this summer, Smith initially wrecked his relationship with the club’s supporters in 2004 by opting to join their bitter rivals across the Pennines.

“I don’t know what the reception will be – we played them at St James’ Park two seasons ago and I got a bad one then, so I am expecting the same at Elland Road,” said Smith, who has now entered the final year of his deal at St James’s Park.

“I have been back to watch games but never as a player. It is not something I have really wanted to do, to be honest!” he said. “I am not going to go into details as to the destination I went to. I don’t want to touch on it. People will express how they feel and I know that.

“There has been a lot of talk about my future but I just want to continue playing football. It is something I have always loved doing ever since I was a kid. I have a great affiliation with the club – they brought me through the game.”

Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has agreed to spend the season on loan at Doncaster Rovers. Mason, 20, enjoyed two spells at the Keepmoat last season.

Former Rotherham United winger Jamie Green has been given a further week to secure a contract with Bradford City.

Barnsley manager Keith Hill has allowed defender Kern Miller to join Accrington Stanley on a six-month loan deal.