Thatcher up for derby clash

3rd December 2008

Ipswich defender Ben Thatcher is relishing the East Anglia derby with Norwich after experiencing the big derby atmosphere in Manchester.

Thatcher, who featured for Manchester City in a derby against United during his time in the Barclays Premier League, is hoping to gain a recall for the game at Carrow Road after missing the 1-1 draw against Sheffield United last weekend with a thigh injury.

The 33-year-old is confident of making boss Jim Magilton`s side and is also backing Town extend their unbeaten run against the Canaries to six games.

"I have been made well aware of the rivalry between Ipswich and Norwich," he told the Evening Star

"From what I have been told what will go on at Carrow Road on Sunday will be just as intense as I experienced in Manchester.

"Fans will have looked for this date as soon as the fixtures come out. It will be a massive day, but with our desire to move up the table the most important thing will be to collect three points."