Jonjo Shelvey has been told he will get no sympathy from Swansea City in his relegation plight on Saturday.
The midfielder said his £12m move to the North East in January would be the Swans loss as he quit the club unhappy at not being a regular.
But since the switch the Magpies have slumped six points from safety while Francesco Guidolin’s men – who were just one point ahead at the time – have rocketed into mid-table.
And Swans midfielder Jack Cork, 26, warned: “We can’t have any sympathy.
“They’re second from bottom, they’ve got a lot of pressure on them.
“But we want the points as well. It’s a big season and the higher we can finish the better for us.”
Shelvey left the Liberty Stadium amid rumours he had upset some of his team-mates by complaining about being left out of the starting XI.
And in his final game he had a heated row with fans after a humiliating FA Cup defeat at League Two outfit Oxford United.
But now the England international is facing relegation to the Championship though he will still collect his £80,000 a week wages.
Shelvey goes into the must-win game at St James’ Park against his old club who are now a massive 15 points ahead of the Toon outfit.
Cork, who has been in superb form in midfield since Shelvey left, insisted: “I was fine with Jonjo.
“I thought he was a good lad. He’s always had the ability on the ball and the talent to make something special happen.
“He wasn’t featuring in the team and I’m not sure if it was his decision or the club’s decision. He’s gone to Newcastle to play and that happens a lot in football.
“He’s made his decision and you can’t really predict how it’s going to go when you go somewhere.
“We got on well when he was here and I think he’s done well up there on a personal level.
“I think everyone’s given him good reviews, it’s just a shame how results have gone.
“It’ll be nice to see him, good to play against him and it will be a good battle.”