Robert Earnshaw has targeted promotion this season as he bids to put an end to his Derby County hell of finishing as the Premier League’s worst ever team last season.

The 27-year-old former Cardiff striker scored 85 goals for the Bluebirds to make his name in the game and returns to Wales this weekend when Forest play Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

It is fair to say he is not expecting a great reception from Swans fans.

He told Wales Online: “I would be more surprised if I didn't get any stick than if I did.

"It's one of those football things and it's fine by me. Whether it's plaudits or criticism, I tend not to hear either as I'm concentrating on the game and the next pattern of play.

"To be fair, I've played a couple of games for Wales at the Liberty Stadium and it seems fine, I think Welsh fans have come together a bit more these days than before and that can only be a good thing.

"But, obviously, I'm well aware of the derby connections and I have never faced Swansea before.

"I will go about my game plan as I always do and need to play well, not just for the national manager, but my club manager,

"My Forest boss has put a lot of confidence into my game over the summer period and I want to do well and make an impression right from the start.

" I can only impress my two managers by scoring goals and that is what I intend to do. Whether it's against Swansea or Cardiff, I need to start scoring sooner rather than in due course.

"I just sense I'm more part of what is happening at Forest, a view that was not there with the other clubs.

"I need to get off to a flyer and I'm sure we will be there or thereabouts when it comes to the promotion shake-up at the end of the season."