ALEX Bruce today reflected on the appointment of Roy Keane as Ipswich Town manager and proclaimed: “He was my idol.”

Elvin King

ALEX Bruce today reflected on the appointment of Roy Keane as Ipswich Town manager and proclaimed: “He was my idol.”

It is a 'Brucie bonus' for Alex to have the former Manchester United midfielder in the same dressing room.

Bruce is expected to be a key figure in the Town defence for Keane's first game in charge at Ninian Park against Cardiff City today (kick-off 3pm).

And the 24-year-old whose dad Steve was a teammate of Keane's at Old Trafford cannot believe what has happened to the Blues over the last few dramatic days.

“As a Manchester United fan when growing up, Roy was someone I always looked up to,” said Bruce.

“And to have him as my manager is fantastic for me and the other lads.

“It is a bit weird in a way. I watched him play alongside my dad and he was my idol.

“It's fantastic to have such a big name as manager here, and it's fantastic for the football club.”

Bruce's future is in doubt with his contract expiring in the summer. But there is no doubting his passion for the Blues having been Jim Magilton's first signing and the only player to make 100 appearances under the former Town boss.

“Ipswich Town is a club that deserves a manager like Roy Keane,” added Bruce.

“When you look at the history of this club, it's one that should be in the Premier League.

“And with the statement that the owner has made in bringing in someone of the stature of Roy it shows the ambitions of this club.

“The ambitions are something that Ipswich fans can look forward to and deserve to.”

And commenting on how his own situation has altered this week, fans' favourite Bruce said: “I've had talks and it's well documented that I was offered a new contract.

“But I felt it wasn't what I was looking for. I now have a chance to show the new manager that I'm worth keeping around, and we will see what happens over the next two weeks.

“It's a big fortnight for the players who are out of contract.

“It's a fresh start for the likes of me, and we have to show we are worth a new deal.

“We are going to have to train hard and deliver on the pitch and see where it leads to.

“It's going to be a case of sink or swim.”