Mick is aiming to avoid the hurt

IN these days of multicultural squads in English football, the meaning of a derby match may be lost on many of the players at Ipswich and Norwich.

But in the last week, they will have been left in no doubt about the importance of this afternoon’s clash at Portman Road.

“The players may have not known much about the game,” said Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy. “But they will know now what it means to the supporters.

“They all live near the clubs and will have met fans during the week. The supporters will have told them how important it is to get the three points. ’Just win on Sunday,’ will have been the message.”

In his career as a player and a manager with Manchester City, Celtic and Lyon, Millwall and now Ipswich, McCarthy has tasted the special atmosphere that derby games can generate.

“It is the fans that make it special, no question,” said the former Republic of Ireland international.

“It will be different from any other match. That is what makes fans in Britain so good. They are loyal. They stay with their team.

“What I have to try to do is make sure it does not affect the performance of the players.

“It can affect them in different ways. Some freeze on the occasion, sometimes players do something daft.

“They can get too pumped up.”

McCarthy (above) acknowledged that Norwich have the advantage, as the majority of their squad were playing in the Premier League last season.

“They have spent a lot of money,” said McCarthy. “But we have had a steady start … and to win a derby gives you confidence. It lifts the fans and the players.”

It has been seven years since Ipswich defeated Norwich – and Town striker Luke Varney made it clear just how his team will approach the game.

“We want to get in their faces, fight for every ball and make a game they won’t enjoy playing in,” said Varney.

“I just want us to win,” said McCarthy. “It hurts so badly when you lose these games.”