City beware: Haynes is sharper than ever

Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton has warned the Canaries that derby specialist Danny Haynes is sharper than ever and ready to shoot down Peter Grant's men.

The 19-year-old has been a thorn in the side of Norwich at every level, but it is his matchwinning performances on the last two occasions that sticks in the throat of every City fan.

Magilton believes that Haynes' loan spell at Millwall earlier in the season has seen the player rediscover his hunger for the game and the youngster is now ready to add yet another derby goal to his collection on Sunday.

“Danny benefited from his loan with Millwall,” said Magilton. “He was tending to take things in his stride and there was not always the hunger there should have been. But he came back after his experience in League One with a different attitude.”

Haynes, who had an unsuccessful trial with Norwich three years ago before being taken on by Ipswich, came on as a late substitute in November to score twice, but it is his winner at Carrow Road last season that has made so unpopular among the City faithful when he appeared to punch the ball home in a 2-1 win for the Suffolk side.

But Magilton believes Haynes is mentally strong enough to brush aside the inevitable barracking from the City crowd and has tipped the player to become one of the club's most prized possessions.

“Danny has worked extremely hard since and has every chance of reaching the top. It goes without saying that Danny will feature in Sunday's match.”

Meanwhile, Magilton has been boosted by the news that Norwich-born defender Alex Bruce has had his red card against Derby rescinded and will be available to face Norwich at the weekend.

Bruce was facing a three-match ban after being sent off for clashing with Rams goalkeeper Stephen Bywater but the Blues' appeal against the decision was successful and the 22-year-old will line up against the Canaries.