THIS season has been one of firsts for rising Scunthorpe United star Abdisalam Ibrahim.

The on loan Manchester City midfielder made his first appearance for the Iron, in a 4-0 loss at Leeds United.

That was his debut appearance in the Championship.

But after serving a one-game ban following his only red card in English football at Middlesbrough, the box-to-box Norwegian Under-21 international is keen not to repeat the experience in a hurry.

"It was not the first red card of my career, but it was my first red card in England," said Ibrahim.

"I was disappointed with it.

"I don't think the first yellow was a yellow, and the second one was a bit harsh.

"I have learned to stay on my feet and not dive in so much."

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, with the 19-year-old set to return to the starting line-up at Cardiff City tomorrow.

Against such high quality opposition, it is the ideal opportunity to show Citizens boss Roberto Mancini just how far his development has come.

"Cardiff are playing really well at the moment and have got some really good players, like Craig Bellamy, so it is going to be a tough game," he said.

"Cardiff are one of the top teams in the Championship so these are the games I need to perform in."