Nick Barmby admits that Sunday's game against Manchester United will be one of the biggest he has ever played in.

Barmby, who has agreed a new deal to stay with the Tigers next season, is a 'big-stage' veteran having played numerous times for England but he is ready to add the clash with Sir Alex Ferguson's side to his list.

"This one is right up there," said Barmby.

"The stakes are very high and everybody knows what they have got to do. We're all looking forward to it and I would say it is right up there with the big games I have been fortunate enough to play in."

Victory for the Tigers would guarantee Barclays Premier League football for another season. Anything less and results from elsewhere will play their part.

However, Barmby describes talk of United fielding a weakened side as 'disrespectful' to what Sir Alex Ferguson has built at Old Trafford.

"You look at what has been written and said this week and at the end of the day it has been very disrespectful to Manchester United.

"They've got the strongest squad they have ever had, as Sir Alex has said himself. Whoever plays on Sunday will be of international quality.

"We know it's going to be a big ask for us, but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"Being in games like this is what this Club has always wanted. The players have always wanted to pit their wits against the best and ultimately they want another season in the Barclays Premier League."

Barmby has experienced final day drama before. He was part of the Everton side that stayed up at the expense of Bolton Wanderers back in 1998.

"The only time I've ever been involved in the battle was at Everton. On the last day, we had to better Bolton's result. We drew with Coventry and Bolton lost at Chelsea.

"We stayed up, but it was a very tense day."