CANARIES’ RAY OF LEIT KEPT SAFE FOR DERBY

NORWICH have wrapped marathon-man Moritz Leitner in cotton wool before tomorrow’s East Anglian derby with Ipswich.

The German midfielder (above) stunned the Canaries’ coaches with his performance in the 1-1 draw at Derby last week, his first start since signing on loan from Augsburg in January.

Boss Daniel Farke (below) said: “Moritz did more running in that game than any Norwich player has ever done before.

“It was a new club record for the distance covered.

“So we have tried to be careful with him in training this week, especially considering it was his first 90-minute game for several months.

“He has just done a special individual programme for the last few days, to make sure he is available. We have had to calm him down, but he should be OK.”

Norwich are unbeaten in their last nine against Ipswich, but Farke said: “There are no favourites in derbies. Our recent history against them doesn’t matter.

“If Ipswich had won the last game, they would still desperately want to win this one too.

“So it’s going to be close. It’s dangerous to try to predict these games because there’s so much at stake for both sides. That’s why they are special. “

Mick Mccarthy says it is time for Ipswich fans to finally have something to cheer against Norwich.

The Tractor Boys have not beaten their neighbours since 2009, and have not won at Carrow Road for 12 years.

The Town boss (below) said: “We have not come out on top in a few years, so it would be great to end that on Sunday.

“It’s an exciting game. There is an element of something different about derbies. We’re all looking forward to it.”