Alex Neil insists his Norwich City players will have the final word ahead of an epic East Anglian derby - in a retort to Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy.

The Blues' chief claimed 'this is his time' during the build up to Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final, first leg clash at Portman Road (KO 12:15pm) after suffering play-off disappointment earlier in his managerial career and defeats in both league tussles this season to their bitter rivals.

Neil promises his players will deliver their right of reply on the pitch.

'Mick can say what he likes really. It doesn't make any difference. This is the players' time now,' said Neil. 'They will dictate who comes out on top in the end and we are confident that will be us. We have only lost three games in the last 22, we're in good form, we're unbeaten away from home, so everything we have done up to this point suggests we are strong contenders to hopefully go through the tie.

'I don't see this as me and Mick locking horns. Listen, these are the games you want to be involved in. There is nothing worse than turning up with six games to go in a season and nothing to play for and you are plodding through. You want to be part of the games that really matter, when emotions are running high and people are getting stuck in amongst it.'