McCarthy is not downplaying the importance of the derby, having played in them for various sides in England, Scotland, Ireland and France but he knows ultimately securing enough points from the final 12 games to ensure top flight football for another campaign is of paramount importance.
He said: "The pragmatic approach is that you get three points if you win, the same as if you beat, for example, Fulham. I think the important thing is to stay in the league."
He added: "I also understand the bragging rights, the local feuding between both teams, and accept it.
"As a player I used to accept it whether it was Barnsley-Sheffield Wednesday, Celtic-Rangers, Manchester City-Manchester United, Millwall-West Ham, Lyon-St. Etienne, Northern Ireland-Republic Of Ireland.
"I've played and managed in a few and I love them. There is a bit more spice involved.
"I just try and embrace every game as a huge game in the Premier League.
"The reality is, we both want to beat each us, we are local rivals, it is a huge derby.
"Getting something on Sunday will go a long way towards helping us to stay in the league."
Source: PA
Source: PA