Canaries defender Gary Doherty has a clear message ahead of tomorrow's televised derby, insisting: “It's payback time.”

Canaries defender Gary Doherty has a clear message ahead of tomorrow's televised derby, insisting: “It's payback time.”

Doherty who was in the squad that lost 2-1 at Carrow road last February and had the misfortune of being credited with an own goal that saw Ipswich steal all three points after on loan Charlton striker Jonatan Johansson put the Canaries ahead in front of a full house last February.

Doherty was controversially awarded the own goal even though cameras showed Ipswich youngster Danny Haynes handle the ball across the line.

“There is added incentive to the match,” said Doherty. “But there always going to be when it's a local derby, it's always a passionate and one and we are desperate to win.

“They turned us over in the last one at our place so it's payback time.”

Doherty played a major part in City's goal in the same fixture last season after setting up Darren Huckerby with a long cross which the City striker coolly slotted home after a rounding Ipswich keeper Lewis Price which was enough to give the Canaries a 1-0 win and send the home fans away disappointed.

The situation this time around strikes a similarity from last season with Doherty uncertain of making the starting XI after impressive displays from the versatile Dion Dublin. Doherty said: “He's been in great form to be fair to Dion, and if he starts then he obviously deserves it. I was playing quite well leading up to my injury so it's a good dilemma for the gaffer and I think it's important to have that competition all over the pitch. He believes that competition for places is essential for the club to move forward and that no one can take their place for granted.

“There is competition in defensive roles now and with the wide players. There has always been competition in midfield as we have had a lot of midfielders at the club. Earnie has been in great form lately and at this minute his is the only position that is safe.

“Ipswich away, yeah, I've got good memories. Last year we got a good win there and it was one of my first back games back in the squad after I had been left out of the team, so I'm really looking forward to it.”

Norwich have lost just once in their last seven league games which included 1-0 wins away at high flyers Birmingham City and West Brom and go into the derby in better form than Ipswich, who have won just twice in their last eight matches including two consecutive defeats in their last outings. But while Ipswich are leaking goals, City's revival has been thanks to a string of clean sheets.

“I don't think they are doing great at home. I think they've lost four or five this season so that's got to be a good omen.”