Jonathan Redhead Norwich City's Alex Pearce says earning points from Sunday's derby clash with Ipswich Town to secure Coca-Cola Championship safety is more important than derailing any Tractor Boys promotion plans.

Jonathan Redhead

Norwich City's Alex Pearce says earning points from Sunday's derby clash with Ipswich Town to secure Coca-Cola Championship safety is more important than derailing any Tractor Boys promotion plans.

Despite the Canaries' impressive dismissal of Burnley at Carrow Road on Saturday, Pearce says Glenn Roeder's squad still believe they need at least four more points - a win and a draw - from their final five fixtures to guarantee Championship action in Norfolk next season.

And Pearce, who has impressed since arriving on loan from Premier League Reading in January, is looking towards his first derby as the best place to start getting those points, even though he admitted his more experienced teammates have not yet spilled the beans on what derby day in East Anglia is really like.

“They've not filled me in as yet,” the 19-year-old said. “It's still the start of the week and we've been pretty light in training, but I'm sure that will build up more as the week goes on.”

However, Pearce revealed scuppering Town's push for the top flight was not high on his agenda, but if it happens on Sunday, it means City have taken another step towards the safety line.

“We're not into derailing them or anything like that,” he said. “We just want to go about getting as many points on the board as possible.

“If that means stopping them from getting into the play-off places, then so be it.

“We actually don't think we're safe yet. I was talking to Fozzy (skipper Mark Fotheringham) and he thinks we need one more win and a draw so I don't think we are safe yet.”

However, Pearce revealed the mood in the City camp was good after the 2-0 win over Burnley.

“We are really happy,” the teenager said. “It was a good win and three massive points, especially after Bristol City which was disappointing. To get the win and the performance we put in was fantastic

“It was a big three points. Hopefully, we are safe after Saturday, but you can never be too sure.

“We've just got to get as many points on the board as we can as there are a couple of teams with games in hand.”

The 6ft tall defender said he was happy with his current form and wants to keep on impressing as many people as possible before his loan is up at the end of the season.

“I'm fairly pleased with the way things are going personally,” he said. “Getting a clean sheet (against Burnley) was a huge bonus.

“I'm trying to impress everyone I can while I'm here. I'm still learning my trade and building my profile here as much as I can.

“I'm enjoying my time here and if people are keeping an eye on me and Reading are saying I'm doing well, then great.”