ALEX Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed that he can agree a new contract with manager Roy Keane and extend his stay with Ipswich Town.

Elvin King

ALEX Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed that he can agree a new contract with manager Roy Keane and extend his stay with Ipswich Town.

The 24-year-old defender turned down a deal offered by previous manager Jim Magilton in January.

But he confirmed today that he wants to stay at Portman Road and play for Keane - his dad Steve's former team-mate at Manchester United.

One of 13 Town players whose contracts expire at the end of next month, Bruce said: “The offer made in January wasn't what I was looking for.

“But I have a meeting with the manager later this week and we'll see what develops from there.

“Hopefully something can be sorted out because I want to stay at Ipswich.

“I hope I haven't played my last game for Ipswich, but it's out of my hands.

“If I have, then I want to say thanks to the supporters who I have been lucky enough to enjoy a good relationship with.”

The Republic of Ireland international was the first Town player to make 100 appearances under Magilton, having been the rookie manager's first signing nearly three years ago.

“I have enjoyed my three years here but it's disappointing that we have not made it to the Premier League in that time,” added Bruce.

“I came here to play regular first team football and I've achieved that but I also wanted to help the club win promotion so that's been frustrating.”

Bruce has been linked with a number of clubs with Hull City the latest.

Giovani Dos Santos has thanked Town fans for their support during his time with the Blues. The Mexican scored four goals in eight appearances while on loan from Tottenham.

The former Barcelona man said: “I love the fans here. It's been a great experience for me at Ipswich and I have learnt a lot.

“I want to than the fans, and there are some very good players here and I think Ipswich can get in the Premier League very soon.

“I'll go back to Tottenham and speak to the manager and we will see what happens from there.”

Town have their final reserve game today at Stevenage and will field a side made up of youngsters.

Town striker Jordan Rhodes has been awarded the PFA Fans' Player of the Year for League Two for his performances during a loan spell with Brentford.

Rhodes scored seven times in 14 games for the Bees before suffering a broken metatarsal in mid-March which cut short his loan spell. Rhodes also scored twice for fellow League Two club Rochdale in a five-game loan spell that began in September.

“Everyone at Brentford made me feel really welcome,” said Rhodes. It's a great club and I have gained so much from my time there."

The Ipswich Town Supporters Club are holding their annual Town Masters Quiz for the John Eastwood Trophy on Thursday May 14 in the Legends Bar, Portman Road.

Questions will be about all aspects of Ipswich Town and its players, past and present.

Teams of two are required - �2 per team - and no pre-booking is needed. Just turn up on the night with a 8pm start.