Cameron Jerome is closing in on the best goal-scoring season of his career – but is remaining relaxed about the prospect.

The striker scored his 18th of the campaign in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Derby, just two short of his previous season's best of 20, for Cardiff City in the 2005/06 season.

'It would be nice to break it but I don't sit there at night thinking 'oh, I'm two away, I'm three away', I just get on with it, chances will come, goals will come,' the tall centre-forward said.

'With nine games to go I'm confident I will score more goals than I've ever scored but it'll mean nothing if we don't get promoted, it will all be in vain, so I'd rather score less goals and us get automatic promotion than score a bundle of goals and be nowhere near it.'

Jerome had managed just 19 in the last four seasons, although when playing in the top tier, for Stoke and Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old could conceivably equal his record if City play to their full potential against his hometown club Huddersfield tonight.

Jerome's father, Hanson, was well known in the West Yorkshire town as a local footballer and his brothers, Sam and Ruben, both play for local side AFC Emley in the Northern Counties East League First Division.

'I've only ever played there once, with Birmingham in the cup (losing 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup) so we'll see what happens,' Jerome added.

'If I get a good reception, I do, if I don't, I'll just smile as usual. It'll be nice to go back and play there but it'll be even sweeter if we can go there and get the win.'