Town boss Mick McCarthy says his side will travel to Norwich City for Sunday’s East Anglian derby “with confidence” looking to continue their improved February form against their greatest rivals (Sky Sports Two, from 11.30am, KO midday).

The Blues are unbeaten in what was billed as a very tough February, drawing at home to play-off challengers Reading and Leeds, away against second-placed Brighton and inflicting Aston Villa’s first home defeat of the season.

“It’s a great game to look forward to,” McCarthy told the club site, reflecting on Sunday’s match in which Town will be looking for their first derby success since they won 3-2 at Portman Road in April 2009 and their first victory at Carrow Road since February 2006's 2-1 win.

“We need to play as well as we have done so far this month. If we do that then we will compete with them. If we don’t reach that level, it will be a tough afternoon.

“We go there with confidence though, and I’ll certainly settle for another 90 minutes of the way we have been playing lately.”

Photo: TWTD

Jimmy86 added 10:35 - Feb 23 I am quietly confident ahead of Sunday. Nodge's form picked up slightly recently but they lost against Burton last weekend, playing in the now famous bird poop away shirt. Our run of games in Feb was terrible on paper, but we've more than held our own and are going into it unbeaten since Derby at home. The 3 5 2 system works as we have athletic wing backs and chambers plays so much better more centrally. I would play Berra at the centre of the 3, as he is not good enough on the ball to play on the left. Huws, Toumani and Ward in midfield does pick itself and you'd think Skuse would drop to the bench. I wonder if Mick may play Smith on Sunday. Another full week of training and played on left in a back 3 for NZ. Would like to see something of Rowe, as think he could be decent. Buzzing for it, COYB - Norwich 1- ITFC 2

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barrystedmunds added 11:05 - Feb 23 Says it all really, haven't beaten the s"@m since 2009!!
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IRTractorboyz added 13:37 - Feb 23 Feel more confident going up there this weekend than I have for a long time against the budgies . We are long overdue turning them over the more dramatic the better a last minute penalty to win will do nicely . Whatever happens we will have two more chances next season because they wont get into the play offs and we will finish 11th or 12th
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peewee added 13:54 - Feb 23 A draw would do me. A win would be better and handing them an @ss whopping would be perfect.
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martin587 added 14:33 - Feb 23 We are well capable of taking all 3 points on Sunday providing MM puts out the same team and formation as the last four games.Confidence has grown over these weeks and I think Norwich are not looking forward to playing us at the moment as they are going through a sticky patch,and a win would just about put an end to the play-offs. Come on Lads do your best for Suffolk and really stuff them.COYB.👍

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Seasider added 16:22 - Feb 23 As always not getting too carried away,especially where Norwich are concerned;and bearing in mind Town have only one win in last 8 games,last beat Norwich in 2009;and 11 years since winning at Carrow Rd. Strangely however am more confident than recently,like a lot on here. Test for McCarthy.Will he do what most of us want and play midfield of Toums,Ward and Emyr Huws,or bring Skues in.Back three of Knudsen,Berra and Chambo; with Kenlock and Jordan/Josh at right wing back.Like the look of Spence;but he was a bit at fault for Leeds goal,and Emmanuel has done ok recently.However Spence has not played many games so think he shades it for me;but as long as sticks to 3-5-2 and doesn't bring back his favourite,or' park the bus' shall be a happy man,at least until 5pm Sunday! Expect whatever else he does MM will continue with same front two and gk

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Seasider added 16:22 - Feb 23 As always not getting too carried away,especially where Norwich are concerned;and bearing in mind Town have only one win in last 8 games,last beat Norwich in 2009;and 11 years since winning at Carrow Rd. Strangely however am more confident than recently,like a lot on here. Test for McCarthy.Will he do what most of us want and play midfield of Toums,Ward and Emyr Huws,or bring Skues in.Back three of Knudsen,Berra and Chambo; with Kenlock and Jordan/Josh at right wing back.Like the look of Spence;but he was a bit at fault for Leeds goal,and Emmanuel has done ok recently.However Spence has not played many games so think he shades it for me;but as long as sticks to 3-5-2 and doesn't bring back his favourite,or' park the bus' shall be a happy man,at least until 5pm Sunday! Expect whatever else he does MM will continue with same front two and gk

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Seasider added 16:23 - Feb 23 Whoops
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:32 - Feb 23 I read the article in the Eastern Daily Press [its a budgie paper] and it seems the general mood is not that of confidence, the pressure is on them to win they are needing the win if they want to get in playoffs.If we go at them and don't let them settle on the ball we could get something out of this match.If we just sit back and try and bog them down I think we will get thumped.If McCarthy wants to prove something to the supporters this is his big chance,[and probably his only chance]He needs to pick the right team and tactics but he also needs to pump the lads up and get them giving their all .Its not a match for slackers,or the faint hearted, COME ON YOU BLUES, lets have something good to shout about .

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