IT may be virtually impossible for all those involved in the East Anglian derby not to get pumped up this weekend.However, Blues boss Jim Magilton is calling for calm from his players, the referee to take firm control and adopt a common-sense approach to what he calls 'our El Classico'.

Derek Davis

IT may be virtually impossible for all those involved in the East Anglian derby not to get pumped up this weekend.

However, Blues boss Jim Magilton is calling for calm from his players, the referee to take firm control and adopt a common-sense approach to what he calls 'our El Classico'.

Wiltshire official Lee Probert takes charge of the 90th Old Farm Derby tomorrow and he is regarded as one of the bright up-and-coming officials after being appointed to the select group last year.

Magilton said: “It is important to keep them as normal as possible during the week. My job is easy on Sunday because I don't need to motivate them I actually have to try and keep them calm and relaxed and not too over-motivated.

“Derbies are usually the most frenetic of game sand the team that wins it is usually the side that can string a few passes together and stay composed.

“It also needs a strong referee. This is our El Classico and so it needs for the referee to understand that there is a lot of hype, a lot of adrenalin flowing and take it into account.”

Ipswich have not fared well when Probert has been in charge of them away from home. They lost in the televised game at Watford earlier this season, and were beaten by Colchester and Hull City but gained a draw at Stoke.

They have had better luck with him in charge of the home games after beating Derby, Rotherham and Sheffield United.

The Blues are hoping to have their lucky charm with them at Carrow Road with Danny Haynes battling to be fit after picking up a knock in the 2-1 reserve team loss at Spurs in midweek.

Haynes has scored at every level against City since they rejected the opportunity to take him on when he was 15 and joined the Blues instead.

Magilton said: “Danny has been coming again, he was on the bench against Sheffield United, and it has entered my head to use him in this game.

“Danny and Norwich have a good affiliation so it would be nice to have his explosive pace. It is funny that some players have a knack of doing well against a particular team. With Tommy Miller it is Preston where he always feels he will score - and generally does.”

Owen Garvan is still the biggest doubt as he is weak after recovering from a virus but, along with Jon Walters who is recovering from a sciatica nerve problem, he will be given right up until tomorrow morning to prove their fitness.

Magilton said: “We will have a look at them and see what they are like for Sunday, but we will not take a risk with them.

“Both will want to play but we will treat them with kid gloves.”

Norwich City squad: Marshall, Nelson, Otsemobor, Drury, Doherty, Omozusi, Bertrand, Russell, Croft, Clingan, Pattison, Sibierski, Bell, Hoolahan, Fotheringham, Lita, Lupoli.

Ipswich Town squad: R Wright, Supple, D Wright, Volz, Thatcher, Bruce, McAuley, Naylor, Shumulikoski, Miller, Norris, Garvan, Walters, Quinn, Haynes, Ambrose, Counago, Lisbie, Stead.