JASON Scotland today defended his scoring record and explained his special reason for wanting to notch his second away goal of the season in Ipswich Town’s Championship fixture at Cardiff City tonight (kick-off 5.20pm).

He also revealed that he is no longer looking to return to Swansea City where he enjoyed great success before trying his luck in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic.

Eight of Scotland’s nine goals have been at Portman Road this term, and he said: “My away record is an area that I want to look at.

“I want to prove myself at this level, and I have done that with nine goals from 25 starts this season.

“It’s not a bad ratio, and hopefully I can get more goals and prove the manager wrong.

“When the gaffer came in I missed three or four games. I want to do better but my record is not bad when you check it out.

“It’s a tough one for the manager. Everyone is trying to prove themselves for next season.”

A goal or two against the Bluebirds in a match being televised live on Sky Sports would give the 32-year-old extra pleasure as it would help Swansea’s cause in finishing above their Welsh neighbours.

Scotland was linked with a return to Swansea in January , but he says that the situation has now changed.

He went on: “I wasn’t playing, when I said that I wanted to leave and I talked to the manager. Swansea was interested and I wasn’t playing.

“But it is different now because I am playing, scoring a few goals and enjoying my football.

“I just want to be playing football, week-in week-out. When I was not involved I said that I wanted to go.

“It needed Swansea to come up with the right amount of money to probably seal the deal, and probably I would then have left.

“I have put it behind me now and just want to put my head down and score goals.

“I probably have two or three seasons left maximum, so I want to maximise my playing career and play as much as possible.

“If I had been coming on for 10 or 15 minutes, then I’m still be getting a chance and could try to prove myself, but when you’re not playing at all for three straight games, you start asking yourself whether you are really wanted and whether the manager has you in his plans.”

Scotland, who cost Town �750,000 from Wigan last autumn, flew to Wales with his team mates yesterday and is looking forward to running out against promotion-seeking Cardiff.

“I don’t think I’ve ever lost against Cardiff, and hopefully we can keep that record going,” he added.

“I’d love to win the game and perhaps score a goal, and celebrate in front of the home fans.

“It would be something to enjoy and to laugh about - it’s a game of football so you want to enjoy it.

“I want to get one up on Cardiff fans. It is one of the fiercest rivalries I have ever played in, and how they separate the fans, it was just brutal.”

Would you like to see Jason Scotland up front for Ipswich Town next season? Let us know – e-mail starsport@eveningstar.co.uk.