NO-one needs to tell Angus Gunn that derby matches stay in the memory longer than most.

The Saints goalkeeper was only three months old when his dad Bryan, the former Norwich City and Scotland number one, played his penultimate East Anglian derby against Ipswich Town in April 1996.

But he does not need reminding of Robert Ullathorne’s infamous back pass 23 years ago.

The Norwich left-back’s return ball hit a divot in the turf at Portman Road, just as Gunn snr attempted a first-time clearance with the score locked at 1-1 in the latter stages.

What happened next has been replayed many times over the years by Ipswich fans, a fact not lost on Gunn jnr as Saints prepare to play two derbies in five days.

“Obviously dad retired soon after I was born but I’ve seen that on video and it seems to be the only derby memory they think about!" he laughs.

“He had positive and negative experiences in derbies, but that’s the life of a footballer.

“As a goalkeeper people generally look at the negatives but I’m sure he’s had more wins than losses against Ipswich. It’s been ten years for them so best they forget about that one!”

Gunn jnr played in the East Anglian derby himself during his season on loan at Norwich two years ago, when he helped the Canaries win 1-0 at Portman Road.

Now he is targeting a derby double with Saints as he prepares for the visit of AFC Bournemouth tomorrow night before a possible recall to the Carabao Cup side for Tuesday’s mouth-watering tie at Pompey.

“Bournemouth have finished above us in the last few seasons so finishing above them is definitely a big focus for us this year,” said Gunn, who played in the corresponding match of last season; the 3-3 draw in April that secured Saints’ Premier League status. “That’s a benchmark we want to get to and we treat every Premier League game as a rivalry to get focused.”

With Saints’ first trip to Fratton Park for eight years coming up on Tuesday, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are about to go into a season-defining five days.

“All derbies are different but they’re the type of games players want to play in as they’re the atmospheres you really thrive off,” continued Gunn. “It’s going to be a good derby on Friday then another on Tuesday so it’s a quick turnaround.

“The Pompey one speaks for itself and the fact it hasn’t been played recently adds a bit more. It will be an interesting one.

“We can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at the ground. Their fans will be excited, our fans will be too and it should be a really good game. It’s a big game for the region and it obviously means a lot to a lot of people.

“That said, we hope that it remains a positive atmosphere and everyone can enjoy the football in a safe environment. We’re obviously all massively passionate about the game and the result but people’s safety and security are paramount.

“We want and need all the energy and support of our fans behind us, focused onto the pitch and we hope there is no trouble at all.

“We’re certainly prepared for it to be a hostile atmosphere. We’ve got an experienced group of players and most of us have played in local derbies and are aware of how to deal with the occasion.

“These are the games you want to play in as a player. The game has been on all the fans’ lips since the night of the draw and we’ll give everything as we know how much this means to the supporters.”

With just one goal conceded in Saints’ last three Premier League games, Gunn is not short of confidence ahead of the Cherries/Pompey double-header.

“We’ve been working very hard as a team and everyone’s been putting their bodies on the line whether it be blocking shots or making unselfish runs,” explains Gunn.

“It’s been a real team effort since that first- day defeat at Burnley. All the lads who have come in have made an impact and the return of Sofiane [Boufal] has been brilliant, he’s been like a new signing. There’s no limit to what we can achieve this season if we stay focused.”