ALEX Bruce, who hoped to celebrate his 23rd birthday with three Coca-Cola Championship points against Hull City today, has set his sights on following the example of team mate Fabian Wilnis.

By Elvin King

ALEX Bruce, who hoped to celebrate his 23rd birthday with three Coca-Cola Championship points against Hull City today, has set his sights on following the example of team mate Fabian Wilnis.

The Dutch defender is one of the rivals for Bruce's place as central defensive partner to skipper Jason De Vos in the Ipswich Town defence.

Bruce, who was 23 yesterday, has no intention of surrendering his first team position to Wilnis. But he has every admiration for the evergreen defender.

“Fabian is a fantastic professional and an example to us all,” said Bruce.

“If I am still as fit and playing as well as he is at 37 I will be more than happy.

“He scored a wonderful goal with an overhead kick in a friendly against Tottenham on Tuesday to show that he has lost none of his skills.”

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton has gone on record confirming his interest in signing a central defender with Hibernian's Rob Jones the latest player to be linked after the Blues boss watched him in action last Sunday.

“It is only right that the manager should be looking to improve his squad,” said Bruce.

“You have to live with that and be mentally strong.

“When you read in the press about a possible new defender coming in you have to adopt a strong mental approach.

“It has to be a 'You are not taking my shirt' mentality or you could find yourself on a hiding to nothing.

“Jason and myself have the places at the moment and possession is nine tenths of the law. It would be nice to think we could blossom the partnership and carry on into next season.”

Bruce did not have the best of times at his former club Birmingham City where his father Steve is manager.

He was subject to over-the-top criticism in the press and his relationship with fans was nothing like the rapport with supporters he has at Portman Road.

“Hearing my name chanted and getting a big ovation when I left the field last Saturday gives me a massive confidence boost,” added Bruce.

“Perhaps this is why our away form is not so good.

“At home we have our fans as a 12th man, and this does make a big difference and is a factor in our seven-match winning home run.”