Cardiff v Swansea: Malky Mackay says it is not just another game

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay admits Sunday's south Wales derby against Swansea City is "not just another game".

It is the first ever all-Welsh Premier League game and Mackay said: "It's got an extra little bite to it."

Mackay knows all about derbies after being sent off for Celtic in The Old Firm derby with Rangers in 1997.

"It's the first time we've played in the top level and that's special for everyone in south Wales," he added.

"It's only three points. It's another Premier League team coming to the stadium, but there is a lot of importance attached to the game."

As well as being sent off at Parkhead for Celtic in a 1-0 defeat to Rangers, Mackay has also experienced an East Anglian derby having played for Norwich City against Ipswich Town.

An added incentive is that a win for Cardiff would lift them above the Swans in the Premier League table.

"I know the passion of our fans... and I know what our stadium can be like but I don't think it will touch the sides of what we are going to feel on Sunday.

"I think this is going to be an incredible atmosphere and I think it's something our fans have been looking forward to since the day we were promoted and it does hold that little extra special edge."

Mackay wants his players to enjoy the intense derby atmosphere but knows matters can spill over.

"I got sent off in one myself," he admitted.

"But you have got to be calm; you have got to be professional in making sure you are doing the best for your team in keeping 11 players on the pitch. I think it's an atmosphere players embrace.

"I want that extra little heightened sense of the derby game inside them. That they have that little edge."