Michael Johnson has experienced life at the top flight of English football, International football and plenty more during his long and successful career.

But one experience he is yet to taste is a Notts County Vs Mansfield Town local derby - and he's hoping that will all change this weekend.

As a local lad the on-loan Derby County defender is looking forward to the showdown with the Stags, and he is aiming to make sure Notts are the ones who secure local bragging rights.

"It is always nice to play in derby games what with the atmosphere and the importance of it," explained the experienced defender.

"It is a big game for both clubs, but I am this side of the fence so it is a bigger game for Notts County.

"As a Nottingham lad, it is exciting going into these games.

"I have never played in Notts-Mansfield game before, so it would be a nice one to be involved in - if I am selected of course.

"Everyone gets excited about local derby games; but I am looking at it is just another game and three points at stake."

The game is, as Johnson says, a big one for both clubs - and Mansfield are in desperate need of a win to close the gap on the teams above them.

Johnson feels the team that comes out on top will the one that keeps their nerve best on the day.

"They have to win it really and they have to come and open us up," said Johnson.

"For us it is important we don't lose the game, but we're going all out for the three points because at this stage of the season every single point is vital.

"The game will take care of itself, local derby games always do. There will be lots of passion, guts and thunder - but it will be about the ones which keeps their nerve on the day.

"It is big for both parties, but it is bigger for them when you look from the outside.

"If we win this one, it puts a lot of daylight between ourselves and Mansfield, and ten points would be the difference."

Johnson has also been delighted with our recent form - three unbeaten and no goals conceded - and he believes a win over the Stags would go a long way to preserving Notts' Football League status for next season.

He said: "I know people raised eyebrows when we picked up a point at Peterborough and I regarded it as a good point despite the other results," he said.

"But, we've continued to pick up points since and we are doing well at the moment - and a win on Saturday would go a long way to us staying in the League."

Johnson missed our 0-0 draw at Shrewsbury on Bank Holiday Monday due to a groin injury picked up in the 1-0 success against Rochdale a week ago - secured thanks to Johnson's first-ever Magpies goal - but he has confirmed he is fully fit again after taking part in training.

"I am fit now, I have trained for the last few days and I'm ready for action," he confirmed.

"I'm available for selection and looking forward to it."

Remember you can hear local lad Michael's full pre-match interview on Magpie World right now. We've got bags of pre-match content available ahead of the derby game with a preview to the big game with ex-Mansfield winger Wayne Corden's audio interview also available for subscribers - as well as the views from the management office in the form of Assistant Manager Dave Kevan.

On Saturday on Magpie World we will hear all the post-match reaction from the Notts camp as Notts look to extend their unbeaten run to three and claim the local bragging rights - and you can hear the interviews on Magpie World for as little as £3.99 a month.