Carr expecting fireworks in derby

Birmingham right-back Stephen Carr believes this Sunday's Second City derby could be as fiery as any derby in his career.

The former Republic of Ireland international takes in his first derby with Blues in his second season at St Andrew's, having missed out on the corresponding fixture last September.

But Carr knows all about pressure cooker atmospheres in derby matches, having played for Newcastle against Sunderland and Tottenham against Arsenal.

The 33-year-old said: "For us it's a great game, one we look forward to. In derby games there's always a great atmosphere.

"It's even better we are going there safe. I'm sure a few of the fans would probably be dreading it if we had been going there needing a result.

"It's happened before. It's not nice. Luckily we are in a better position than those games before, more comfortable.

"They are fighting for a Champions League spot, so there's pressure on them. People expect them to the favourites, being at home.

"For the two sets of fans involved, it's the biggest derby in the world. I'm sure it will be fierce and we will look forward to it."