BRISTOL City striker Jon Stead has vowed to hit double figures for goals this season – and his first opportunity to get off the mark will be against former club Ipswich Town.

The 28-year-old scored nine times in 25 starts last season, missing three months of the campaign with an ankle injury.

“It’s an important season for me,” said Stead, who left Portman Road in 2009 having scored 18 goals in two seasons there.

“I’m determined to build on my goals tally from last year and I’m just hoping not to have any long injury breaks.

“I missed three months with the ankle problem last year. If it hadn’t been for that I think I might have enjoyed one of the best seasons of my career. I was pleased with the way I finished the season so I’m glad to be back and I’m raring to go.”

Bristol City start their Championship campaign on August 6 at Ashton Gate, where they will be hosting Ipswich Town.

“It’s another previous club of mine, but there has been a few,” said the striker, who has also played for Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United.

“Ipswich have lost a few players so it will be interesting to see who they bring in.

“It’s a tough one to begin with but we’re at home so we’ll be looking to get off to a good start.”