Earnshaw has scored 154 goals in 242 games

Former Cardiff City hero Rob Earnshaw is "looking forward" to a barrage of "stick" when he plays his first club game at Swansea City on Saturday.

The Wales striker will line up for Nottingham Forest against Swansea in a battle of the Championship new boys.

"If I don't get a lot of stick I will be shocked," said Earnshaw, a record breaking goal-scorer at Cardiff.

"I've never played a club game at Swansea but I'm looking forward to it - I'm ready for any stick."

The 27-year-old's 105 goals in seven years at Ninian Park earned him legendary status among Bluebirds fans.

And goal ace Earnshaw's 31 league goals in Cardiff's League One promotion season of 2002/03 is still a club record.

But the Forest frontman isn't just desperate to shine to silence the boo-boys of Swansea, Cardiff's bitter rivals, but to impress the watching Wales manager John Toshack.

Earnshaw has been recalled to the Wales squad following a six month exile for Wednesday's international friendly with Georgia at the Liberty Stadium.

"I was excited to be called-up again," said Earnshaw, scorer of 154 goals in 242 career starts.

"It'll be a bit strange because the fans that are against me at Swansea on Saturday, will be with me on Wednesday!

"I want to perform well to give myself the best chance of success for both club and country."

606: DEBATE I'm not insulting Earnshaw but I think his best days are behind him Championship_Swan

Earnshaw opened his Forest goal account with a double in their 4-0 League Cup win over Morecambe in midweek following his �2.65m summer switch from Derby County.

"If you look at the amount of money that's accumulated in transfer fees, it speaks volumes of the career he has had," said Swans boss Roberto Martinez.

"He has got fantastic mobility, he is very clever and he's a goalscorer. We have to make sure we are up for the challenge.

"Nottingham Forest paid �2.65m and it shows he should be one of the main players in this division."

Earnshaw also joined the love-in as the 39-times capped international believes in Spaniard Martinez, Swansea have a promising manager who can deliver success.

"Swansea have built a decent foundation for success," said Earnshaw.

"They've a very forward-thinking manager who wants to better the team and bring in quality players, Swansea haven't had that for a long time."

Forest opened their campaign last week with a draw against newly relegated Reading, while the Swans will be looking to avenge their opening day loss at Charlton.

Swansea succumbed to two set-pieces at the Valley and goalkeeper Dorus de Vries insisted: "We focus on every goal scored against us to see what we can do defensively in those situations.

"We can't afford to lose games on set pieces because football-wise we are good and comfortable."