Ashley Barnes is relishing his first taste of the East Anglian Derby against Ipswich Town on Saturday - but is concentrating only on Norwich City. 

The experienced striker knows how to make his presence felt on derby day - netting a brace for Burnley in their Lancashire grudge match with Blackburn Rovers last season. 

Now at Norwich, Barnes is ready for his first taste of what East Anglia's primary rivalry has to offer and is relishing the prospect of the encounter. 

"You thrive off it. These are the moments where you want to be the hero and wish you can be a part of," Barnes said on the East Anglian Derby. 

"It's nice to go into it with a win and some form back. It was frustrating the other day that we couldn't get over the line in that game, but it's a point gained rather than lost.

"Credit to them (Ipswich), and it's fantastic for them to be where they are, but we have to concentrate on ourselves. We will do so. We get back to work tomorrow and get into the media room to analyse them.

"The league positions are there for everyone to see, but it's us who can concentrate on one more game, and that's Ipswich."

Barnes netted his third Norwich goal in their 3-1 win over struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Carrow Road to continue their upturn in fortunes. 

Norwich head into Saturday's derby having taken 13 points from six matches - winning four and moving within three points of the top six. 

That improved form has stabilised their position in the table after a difficult spell that saw them suffer one win in just 11 matches. 

The Pink Un: Ashley Barnes netted his third goal of the season in Norwich City's 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.Ashley Barnes netted his third goal of the season in Norwich City's 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. (Image: Focus Images Ltd)

Saturday's game at Portman Road is a chance to continue their renewed form and Barnes needs no reminding of the magnitude of it. 

"I think you're the only ones that are going to write us off - it's got nothing to do with us," Barnes said. 

"We believe in that dressing room, the quality that we have, and coming back. We have a good group there, and we keep believing. We can only take one game at a time.

"We've got an amazing game for everyone involved and associated with this club, and we know how much it means to them and we want to get another win on the board. It's going to be eventful and one that we're looking forward to."