NOTHING personal - but Gary Croft admits beating Ipswich would be extra special after suffering a torrid time at Portman Road.The former Town defender moved to Cardiff City after an initial loan period at Ninian Park after being frozen out by former manager George Burley.

NOTHING personal - but Gary Croft admits beating Ipswich would be extra special after suffering a torrid time at Portman Road, writes Derek Davis.

The former Town defender moved to Cardiff City after an initial loan period at Ninian Park after being frozen out by former manager George Burley.

After scoring on his debut, Croft's move to Ipswich from Balckburn hit immediate problems when he was jailed for motoring offences and then became the first professional footballer to play while tagged.

But he gradually faded from Burley's thoughts after promotion and during the relegation year was dropped altogether and finally went out on loan to Wigan and then Cardiff.

Croft said: “It goes without saying that I want to play well against Ipswich and it is one game I want to win.

“I was not given as many games as I would have liked when I was there and it would be nice to put that one to bed.

“Ipswich have got a different manager now so it is not a personal thing. I'm not going to approach the game any different to any other but a win against them would be extra special. I know a lot of the players there and I'd love to get a result.”

The 29-year-old has had to overcome some adversity again to rebuild his career in Wales but is now enjoying a purple patch.

After scoring the only goal of the game against Wimbledon last week he was rated man of the match in the draw against leaders West Bromwich Albion in midweek.

He recently became a father and things are looking good after losing his place in the side and needing an emergency appendix operation during the summer.

He said: “Funny how things turn out. Considering that not so long ago Cardiff were two levels below Ipswich, it is nice that we are going into this game on a level footing.

“It does not surprise me that we are one of the better footballing sides in the division, and, crucially, picking up points too.”

City are one place above Town on goal difference going in to tomorrow's game and are unbeaten in eight games, although four of those have been draws.