Carlos Spencer will return to Northampton on Saturday – but insists he goes back to Franklin's Gardens with nothing to prove.

The 33-year-old fly-half joined Gloucester in February after leaving their Guinness Premiership rivals by mutual consent – and has started all six league matches for the Kingsholm club since his switch.

He missed last weekend's EDF Energy Cup semi-final win over Ospreys as he was cup-tied – but is likely to be handed the No 10 shirt at the expense of Ryan Lamb for Saturday's Premiership clash.

And the former New Zealand star is treating the return to his former club as he would any other game.

"I'm 33 years old and I've got nothing to prove," said Spencer. "I just enjoy playing the game – and I'm not going there to prove anything.

"I've got a job to do for Gloucester – and that's to stay in the top four. Northampton are ninth, so I don't think there's anything for me to prove.

"I'm just looking at it as another game. It's another stepping stone for us to try to cement a place in the top four – and it's mine and the team's focus to win and remain up there."

With Harlequins and Bath both winning on Wednesday evening, Gloucester dropped to fourth place in the Premiership table with three matches to play.

Two of those are away – and Spencer is well aware of Northampton's excellent record at Franklin's Gardens, where they have lost only once in the league all season.

"They've got a good crowd there and the crowd get behind the team," he said.

"Northampton always defend well at home – and when you have a record like that, you always want to maintain it.

"They have done pretty well at home, but hopefully we can be the second team to win there this season.

"Winning this weekend is crucial. If we lose this weekend, who knows what could happen?

"It's a big game for the team – and the guys know that.

"The pressure is on – but if we can win, that will give us confidence going into the EDF final in a few weeks."

Spencer will miss that match against Cardiff Blues at Twickenham on April 18 – but is likely to play a pivotal role as Dean Ryan's side attempt to secure a top-four finish in the Premiership.

And he has been pleased with the start he has made to life at Gloucester following what was viewed by many as a surprise move two months ago.

"I've found it really easy to settle in," he said. "It's a style of game here that really suits the way I like to play.

"They like to move the ball around here and it's pretty different to the way Northampton play. Northampton like to kick a bit of ball and use their forwards a lot, especially off 9 and 10, and they keep it really close."