Friday 27 February 2015 16:51, UK
Former Ipswich captain Matt Holland admits his former club may be playing Norwich at ‘a bad time’.
Ipswich are only three points off the top two going into Sunday’s game at Carrow Road but Norwich have recorded five straight wins under new manager Alex Neil and are targeting a promotion of their own.
That situation is likely to add an extra edge of intensity to a derby which traditionally has no shortage of drama and one in which Holland feels the team which keeps their focus better will prevail.
While Norwich have won five in a row, Ipswich are in good form of their own with three wins in their past four, and on Friday bolstered their forward line with the signing of Leicester striker Chris Wood on loan.
"Ipswich have responded to their sticky spell pretty well but I suppose it still is a bad time to be playing Norwich. With the impact the new manager has had their form is terrific at the moment," Holland said.
"Having come down from the Premier League you probably expected Norwich to be up there, and they have certainly fought back. I have been impressed with the attitude of the players since Alex Neil has taken over.
'Remarkable'
"However, the fact Ipswich are just a few points off the top spot is testament to the work of Mick McCarthy, the way he has organised the team, with Daryl Murphy having the season of his life. It is quite remarkable really when you consider he has not spent any significant money.
"Of course it is going to be a real test for Ipswich but in any derby it is about who plays the game rather than the occasion.”
Holland was promoted with Ipswich through the play-offs in 2000 and played European football at Portman Road but by 2002 the club had returned to the second tier, and they have been there ever since.
The Suffolk club are the Championship’s longest servers, but have mounted a promotion push under McCarthy, who Holland feels has done a “phenomenal” job.
"There is a togetherness now and that is what Mick has instilled in them," said Holland, who had played in 223 consecutive Ipswich games before eventually signing with Charlton in 2003.
"Of course if this Ipswich side did go on and get promoted it would need help with investment on new players, but when you look at the character they have got, that team spirit can take you a long way."
Watch Norwich play Ipswich in the East Anglian derby live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 2pm on Sunday
