GREAT Britain and former Newcastle netminder Stephen Foster was admitted he would be happy to return to the Telewest Arena - if he gets to play.

The popular ex-Cobras star has enjoyed his time in the British National League with Basingstoke, where he has been one of the top players.

And rumours are abounding that Newcastle Jesters chairman Paul Smith is keen to bring some of the region's talent back to the city.

Paul Dixon, Shaun Johnson and Foster are three of the names being touted.

Foster has heard the rumours and, although some of the North-East players have already signed for other clubs, he has not, and Smith has made no approaches.

"I've heard rumours that he's trying to get a lot of the North-East lads back. I would like to come back, but it's obviously got to be under the right terms and I've got to get to play," said "Fozzie".

"Last year I got a chance to play and that's what it's all about. I don't want to sit there just to make up the numbers."

The move would be a practical one for Foster who still lives in the region and travelled back every weekend.

But, of his BNL experience, he said: "I've really enjoyed it. It's good playing against the players who I used to play against as juniors.

"It's actually good hockey as well. It is slightly different to the Superleague, because a lot of the fans can relate to the players, because the fans can relate to the players, because they have seen them coming up through the ranks.

"I think that's one of the problems with the Superleague, that a lot of the fans don't know the players."

Read more about the Jesters here.

Updated: 14.45 Monday, May 21