He is the man the Super Blues love to hate.

Now David Nugent – Ipswich Town’s version of the Grinch – has the power to spoil their Christmas.

The 26-year-old has spent his career being a thorn in the side of Blues fans boasting a scoring record of eight goals in as many games.

But it is as much his petulant reactions towards fans as his impressive goal tally that makes Nugent such a disliked figure. Now he is hoping to ruin Christmas for Paul Jewell’s side when he leads the Leicester City attack at the King Power Stadium (3pm ko) on Boxing Day.

And he will do so in the knowledge that he was a summer target for fellow Liverpudlian Jewell, who revealed: “I spoke to his agent but I think he was always going to go to Leicester. He’s quick, he’s got an eye for goal and that’s why we were interested in him.”

As well as Nugent, the Town manager acknowledged the threat the Foxes pose – with the former Pompey forward set to start alongside ex-Everton striker Jermaine Beckford.

But it is Nugent who Town fans will fear and loathe in equal measure. And it is little wonder with a rap sheet that goes above and beyond scoring for fun at both Preston and Portsmouth. Nugent’s misdemeanours include:

n Fouling Sito Castro and then trying to haul the full-back up by the scruff of his neck during Preston’s 4-0 win at Portman Road in August 2005

n Goading Town fans in the same game after scoring his second goal – an action his manager, Billy Davies, described as “stupid”.

n Running the length of the pitch, cupping his hand to his ear, after scoring for Pompey at Portman Road in February.

Whoever Jewell decides to partner Ibrahima Sonko in defence, in place of Danny Collins, will need to be wary against the Grinch.