Bane of Leeds Blackstock hopes to excel in their colours

The 27-year-old, who has joined the West Yorkshire club on a three-month loan deal, is in the squad to face Huddersfield Town tomorrow.

Whether Blackstock can force his way into the side remains to be seen, especially with Leeds having netted four times in their last outings against Birmingham City last Sunday.

But, if he does get the nod from manager Brian McDermott, the loanee will be looking to display the prowess that has seen him net five times in four appearances against Leeds over the last three years.

He said: “I have been able to score basically every time against Leeds and it has been good for me.

“We had the 7-3 win at Elland Road (in April 2012) – that was an eventful night.

“Hopefully, now I can continue to score at Elland Road. I have not played a lot of games but, in terms of fitness, I feel good.

“As for match fitness, you are not going to get that without playing. You’re never going to get sharp until you play games. But I am raring to go when the manager needs me.”

Blackstock has been linked with Leeds several times in recent years, the most recent occasion being when Neil Warnock was in charge at the start of this year.

The striker, who trained with his new team-mates yesterday, has made just three appearances for Forest this season and is yet to complete a full 90 minutes.

He said: “I watched Leeds on Sunday and it was a very good performance, a very comfortable victory.

“The ambition is there for this club to move forward.

“I imagine the expectation’s very high, like Nottingham Forest where the fans demand good football and entertaining games.

“I’m really looking forward to this and I can’t see any reason why the club can’t move forward.

“Before I agreed to come, I sat down and spoke to the manager and went through his plans.

“I was very impressed with what he had to say and I know some of the players who have worked under him before. They speak very highly of him and I can see that the lads here are behind him.

“The club seem to be moving in the right direction and I want to be part of it.”

McDermott has spoken several times this season of his preference for loan players who he will, at a later date, be able to turn into a permanent signing.

No such agreement is in place for the Forest forward.

When asked about staying at Elland Road long term, Blackstock said: “It is something we would have to sit down and reassess in January.

“Both parties are fixed on a loan until then but you never know what the future will bring.

“All I know is that for the time I am here, I will do my best and, hopefully, help Leeds move up the table.”