IPSWICH Town defender Alex Bruce has been assured by new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni that he has a future in international football.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town defender Alex Bruce has been assured by new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni that he has a future in international football.

Bruce stayed on the bench last night where Ireland beat Colombia 1-0 at Craven Cottage, Fulham - and he was also an unused substitute at the weekend when Ireland drew 1-1 with Serbia at Croke Park, Dublin.

He admitted today that he was a little disappointed at failing to add to his single senior cap, but added: “It has been a positive experience.

“I played in both friendly games we had during our training camp in Portugal before the Serbia game, and the coach said that I did well.

“He said that he was pleased with me and that I would have another opportunity in the future.

“Richard Dunne came back into the squad for the two internationals and I was asked to sit on the bench.

“This was a little disappointing, but it is what happens in football.

“The new coach (Trapattoni) impressed everybody with his organisational methods and coaching skills.

“It was hard work as we trained every morning and every afternoon, but it was a good experience and one I can look back on with pleasure.”

Bruce roomed with his Town team mate Owen Garvan, and the 20-year-old midfielder was also left on the bench for both internationals.

“We have our next game in August and Owen did very well and hopefully we will both be involved again,” added Bruce, who will be having a two-week holiday before reporting back for pre-season training at Portman Road on June 23.

Garvan is set to have talks with Blues boss Jim Magilton over the next few weeks after being offered an extension to his current contract that runs out next summer.

Meanwhile, although 29-year-old striker Emile Mpenza's agent Rachid Tajhout has gone on record as saying that he expects to receive an offer from Ipswich for his out of contract player, the ex-Manchester City man is not top of Magilton's shopping list.

He was a possible loan target last March and Ipswich are still showing an interest. But in his search for a quality goalkeeper, central defender and proven goalscorer, Mpenza is not a priority target.

Town chairman David Sheepshanks has travelled to Trinidad with the England party for this weekend's international in his capacity as an FA official, while released defender Fabian Wilnis is seriously considering a move back to Holland.

There is unlikely to be a place for him in a player coach capacity at Portman Road, although a drop down to play for neighbours Colchester United in League One cannot be ruled out.