For tomorrow's visit to the capital – his first with Sunderland – also gives the defender a chance to relive one of the most thrilling times in his career.

Turner was with Hull last season when the Tigers stunned the Barclays Premier League with back-to-back away wins at Arsenal and then Tottenham.

He admits: "It was a fairytale, really. Hull were in the top flight for the first time in their history, and going and winning at these massive clubs.

"Even for us as players, winning at Arsenal and then Spurs was amazing.

"Playing at this level was new to a lot of us, and for that reason I don't think we had any fear. We were looking forward to the games rather than feeling anxious about it.

"An early (Geovanni) free kick put us in the lead at Spurs and we had something to hold onto.

"Spurs were going through a difficult spell and their manager wasn't having a good time.

"We dug in and won 1-0, which was an unbelievable achievement for Hull.

"We had a strong team spirit and worked very hard for each other, and we'll need the same qualities going back there tomorrow because Harry Redknapp's put together a great squad and has completely turned Spurs around."

Turner was on Charlton's books as a kid, but Spurs were his boyhood idols.

"I know White Hart Lane very well," he added. "I know that Spurs fans expect to see good football and entertainment, and the team has been producing that recently under Harry I think.

"But we've shown against some tough teams this season that we're well capable of giving anyone a game.

"Our away form hasn't been the best at times, so we know that we have to keep the standards high."

The Black Cats have lost three times on the road this season against the so-called lesser lights of Stoke, Burnley and, most recently, Birmingham City.

Turner said: "After great results against Manchester United and Liverpool, to go to Birmingham and lose was a massive disappointment.

"But we still believe we can go away from home and get results."