IPSWICH Town's 1-1 draw at Norwich City relieved the pain for club captain Jason De Vos.The Canadian central defender was under doctor's orders to stay at home with his foot up during the high noon shoot-out between Canaries and Blues at Carrow Road yesterday.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's 1-1 draw at Norwich City relieved the pain for club captain Jason De Vos.

The Canadian central defender was under doctor's orders to stay at home with his foot up during the high noon shoot-out between Canaries and Blues at Carrow Road yesterday.

Just a few days after a foot operation that should ensure his full fitness for next season, De Vos is already walking.

He listened to the derby on the radio, and said: “When Norwich scored early it was a bit worrying, but you have to credit the boys for their fight-back.

“I am delighted for David Wright, who has been under real stress following the death of his father.

“And I always knew that Fabian Wilnis would handle a move to central defence - and the captaincy - in his stride.

“It was a huge honour for him and I am told he was outstanding.”

Wright scored his first goal since he was playing for Crewe in December 2003 and was engulfed by ecstatic Town fans after netting the 61st minute equaliser.

He said: “I should have netted against Sheffield United and Liverpool for Wigan this season, so it was nice to score this time.

“I look upon myself as an attacking full back so I should score more goals.

“Gary Roberts played me in and I tried to find a path through to Franny Jeffers. The ball was blocked, and when it rolled free I was able to place it over the line with the outside of my right foot.

“The lads pushed me into the crowd and I shall be starting a collection to help pay the fine after I was booked.

“But it was a great feeling and the intensity of the game was high as you would find in any derby with the pace at 100mph.”

Wright played on loan for Norwich around Christmas last season, and went back to Wigan stronger and able to go straight back into the first team.

He admits he may have been at fault for Norwich's fifth minute goal yesterday.

He said: “Darren Huckerby is a good player, and Norwich isolated me with him. It was clever, and with Norwich also playing a left-winger it was me against two at times.

“We had a chat in our dressing room at half-time and came out to gain control after the break.

“My late father was always proud of the achievements of his family and he would have been looking down.”

Norwich skipper Adam Drury said: “We should have had a penalty when Darren Huckerby went down in the box, but a draw was a fair result.”