Gary Doherty is relishing the chance to lock horns with Derby's bustling frontman Steve Howard. Doherty earned rave reviews from his manager for nullifying Barnsley's Hungarian lynchpin Istvan Ferneczi in City's 3-1 weekend win.

Gary Doherty is relishing the chance to lock horns with Derby's bustling frontman Steve Howard.

Doherty earned rave reviews from his manager for nullifying Barnsley's Hungarian lynchpin Istvan Ferneczi in City's 3-1 weekend win.

The 27-year-old faces another muscular foe at Carrow Road this evening in the shape of 15-goal Howard. The former Norwich transfer target is rapidly closing in on the best return for a Rams' striker since Paul Wanchope's 17 goals fired County to a top ten Premiership finish in 1998.

“I know what his game is all about,” said Doherty. “He's been on fire again after a great season last year. Obviously he is the main man and someone we have to keep an eye on. I'm happy with my own performances. I felt I started the season quite and well then came across a couple of injuries. I'm starting to get the fitness and match play back and it's going well at the moment.”

The Irishman is now looking to build on back-to-back away successes at Luton and Barnsley.

“We've got a top side in our own back yard and it should be a good game,” he said. “We went there early in the season and got a goal less draw when we deserved the victory to be honest. We've gone to two difficult grounds and took all the points which is a massive plus for us. To go and pick up results on the bounce against teams down near the bottom gives us a lot of confidence.

“The same probably applies to Derby. They're coming off the back of a 5-1 win so confidence is bound to be quite high.”

Doherty is confident Norwich's recent ruthless streak on the road can continue at Carrow Road.

“We've found goals pretty hard to come by at home,” he said. “It's either been awesome goal keeping or just not putting the chances away. That's something we're definitely looking to get right and I'm sure if we do then we're capable of beating Derby.

“Hucks and Chris Martin are right in amongst the goals. It's like the start of the season again when we seemed to be scoring freely. When that happens you keep picking up points.”

Doherty also singled out two members of City's defensive unit for special praise after a sturdy second half display against Barnsley.

“Tony Warner has been around some really big clubs and his experience should help us,” he said. “He made a magnificent save from a free kick - top class stuff. It was a shame for Galls to be left out because I thought he'd been in quite good form. That's what happens in football - we've all been left at some time or another.

“Andy Hughes has come up with a match winning clearance as well. It was good to see and the rest of the players certainly know what he is all about. It's testament to him that he can come in and give his all whatever positions the manager asks him to play.”