WARREN Feeney has insisted he "loved being the villain" on his return to Dean Court.

The Stockport striker, who left the club in the summer, returned for the first time since his move to Edgeley Park in Friday's 2-1 defeat as Brian Stock and James Hayter put Cherries in command.

But although he was booed throughout by the majority of the home fans, Feeney had his own say as he headed home a late consolation for the Hatters and celebrated in exuberant fashion.

He told the Daily Echo: "I loved being the villain. I was expecting it but when I was warming up I was getting some applause from the Bournemouth fans - it was good to see some of them again.

"But during the game I was running down the wing and some people were getting really fired up - it was pretty funny really.

"The majority were good-natured though so I have no problem with it. It was all good fun.

"But that is what happens these days when a player moves. Even Henrik Larsson got booed when he went back to Celtic with Barcelona and you think of what he did for them."

While Feeney dedicated his goal to his new daughter Lucy, he also believes his side could have snatched a point from a contest that Cherries dominated.

He said: "We came back into it in the last 15 minutes and could have nicked a point. My goal shut a few people up in the crowd and I'd like to dedicate it to Lucy."

"When I scored, I had some friends watching and there were plenty of people next to them saying 'trust him' when I scored apparently."

The Ulsterman also stressed it was good to see his former team-mates once again and that the on-field banter was in full flow.

He said: "A couple of the boys were telling me how they were going to nutmeg me but we had a few drinks afterwards. They are all good friends so it was weird playing against them.

"But I wish Bournemouth all the best for the rest of the season. I now have to concentrate on making sure my club starts winning more games and we pull away from trouble."