FORMER Swansea City striker Jason Scotland has lit the blue touch paper ahead of this evening’s Championship clash between Cardiff City and Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys’ Trinidadian front man has assured himself of a red-hot reception at the Cardiff City Stadium with his inflammatory pre-match comments.
Scotland has vowed to maintain his unbeaten record against the Bluebirds and says he would love the chance to celebrate a goal in front of their supporters.
He also admits he would be delighted if Swansea – and not their South Wales neighbours – were promoted to the Premier League.
Scotland has faced the Bluebirds four times, three for the Swans and once for Ipswich Town, scoring in their 2-0 win against City at Portman Road this season.
“I’m looking forward to a nice warm welcome from the Cardiff fans,” said Scotland.
“I’m an old Swansea player and I haven’t lost against Cardiff. Hopefully I can keep that record and Ipswich will win the game.
“Perhaps I can score a goal and celebrate in front of the home fans. It would be something to enjoy. This is a game of football and I want to enjoy it.
“I’d love to get one up on the Cardiff fans. The South Wales rivalry is one of the fiercest I have ever played in, it can be brutal.
“No fan was allowed to go to the game on their own. They have to bring fans from Cardiff and from Swansea for the away games. That tells a story.
“Obviously I would be buzzing if Swansea went up rather than Cardiff! I would be delighted for the boys if they went up and Cardiff don’t.”
Scotland has scored nine goals in 34 appearances for Ipswich this season and is enjoying his football under new manager Paul Jewell.
Ipswich haven’t won in their last three matches, earning only one point in that run, and come to Cardiff City Stadium today in need of a victory.
“It’s a tough one for the manager,” says Scotland. “The new boss has come in and everybody is trying to prove themselves for next season.
“Personally, I just want to prove myself at this level, and I have done that with nine goals this season.
“It’s not a bad ratio and hopefully I can score more goals.”