Ireland defender Alex Bruce is determined to catch manager Giovanni Trapattoni's eye as he sets his sights on a second international cap.

Derek Davis

Ireland defender Alex Bruce is determined to catch manager Giovanni Trapattoni's eye as he sets his sights on a second international cap.

The 23-year-old Ipswich player lined up for his country in a training match against Portimonese in Portugal and along with central defensive partner Paul McShane, earned the Italian's praise for his performance in a 1-1 draw.

With Richard Dunne not joining up with the squad until their return to Dublin on Thursday and Manchester United's John O'Shea currently preparing for tomorrow's Champions League final, Bruce knows he has a chance to make his mark on Trapattoni ahead of the forthcoming friendly clashes with Serbia and Colombia.

He said: “It's a good opportunity for myself and Paul with Richard Dunne not here and John O'Shea away on Champions League duty.

“Hopefully we can show the new manager what we can do. When you do well, it's always a big opportunity, no matter what game you are in and whoever the opposition is.

“We have just got to see some good bits from each player and hopefully he will give us a chance in the bigger games coming up.”