Nick Barmby says the drama and excitement of the Tigers' final day trip to Ipswich is exactly what players and fans thrive on.

City travel to Portman Road knowing that they must win to keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive.

Three points coupled with Stoke losing at home to Leicester would see the Tigers into the top flight for the first time in the club's history and Barmby is looking forward to the game.

"It's brilliant that we've managed to take the race down to the final game," said Barmby.

"As a footballer and as a fan, it's all exciting stuff and there is a lot riding on the last match.

"When I was at Everton, we had a situation where we had to win to stay up on the last day and at Liverpool, there was a time when we had to win to get into the Champions League. So there's a couple of times I've been involved when there's been a lot riding on the final game.

"I'm confident we can win, although we're under no illusions that it will be a tough game because Ipswich are a very good side.

"I know it's stating the obvious, but anything could happen in the Stoke game. Leicester will be fighting for their lives and sometimes, you don't really want to be playing sides like that."

Despite the anticipation currently surrounding the club, Barmby says training has been the same as normal this week.

"That's the good thing about the manager, he doesn't build pressure on the lads.

"He keeps that sort of thing to himself and that is a good attribute for a manager to have."

Barmby made his comeback from injury in the win against Crystal Palace last weekend and he admits he was relieved to be back in action.

"It was brilliant to get back because on a personal level, this season has been a long, hard slog.

"It has been frustrating, but hopefully I will only have to be involved in one more game this season rather than three!"