Mick aiming to crow after Old Farm derby

IPSWICH manager Mick McCarthy has branded today’s showdown with Norwich “massive” as he looks to lead his side to an East Anglian derby win for the first time since 2009.

The Canaries have won five and drawn three ‘Old Farm’ duels since Jon Stead’s late winner gave Town a 3-2 victory over their fierce rivals.

With both sides looking to climb into the play-off places, McCarthy (right) is looking forward to what is set to be an electric atmosphere at Portman Road.

He said: “We are playing for the same three points as we do in every game but, of course, for everyone connected with the two clubs, there is a lot more at stake.

“It’s a massive game – derbies always are. I’ve been involved in plenty down the years and I’ve been asked many times how they compare.

“What is the biggest? The answer is always the same. Supporters always think theirs is the biggest and rightly so. We know what it will mean to the supporters if we win. The bragging rights and all that. That is the challenge for us.”

Ipswich expect to have midfielder Tom Adeyemi back after a hamstring injury and forward Joe Garner could also be involved after returning to full training. Defender Tommy Smith will be assessed after suffering a back spasm. Norwich winger Josh Murphy has also returned to training after his broken toe and midfielder Marco Stiepermann is pressing for a start having recovered from a groin problem.

Canaries full-back Ivo Pinto said: “It’s going to be a good war and an exciting match between two good teams.

“We are very good away at the moment and hopefully we can get the three points.”

Ipswich v Norwich Today, 12pm, Sky Sports

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