IPSWICH Town's Alex Bruce has lamented the minor injury that has seen him lose a regular place in the first team.The 25-year-old has no complaints that Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney have kept their places at the heart of the Blues defence, but he was frustrated at having been out of the side first with a groin injury.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's Alex Bruce has lamented the minor injury that has seen him lose a regular place in the first team.

The 25-year-old has no complaints that Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney have kept their places at the heart of the Blues defence, but he was frustrated at having been out of the side first with a groin injury.

He came back in for the 1-1 draw at Leicester, but was then omitted from the final 18 for last Saturday's 3-2 win over Coventry City when manager Roy Keane went for a more attack-minded bench.

“It's been an up and down season for me,” said the Republic of Ireland international, who was in action for 90 minutes in the competitive 2-2 reserve draw against Southend on Wednesday and is in the squad for today's FA Cup game at Southampton.

“My injury set me back, but you have to put things in perspective.

“It was only a minor knock and when you look at the likes of Luca Civelli, David Norris and now Richard Wright it shows there are far worse injuries you can get.

“I was back at right back for the Leicester game and hopefully I can put a run of games together, which I think I need.

“Footballers get strains and knocks all the time and it's the first real problem I've had in four years.

“Obviously it's been frustrating. But there are always injuries and suspensions and you have to be ready to take your chance.”

And turning to team mates McAuley and Delaney, Bruce went on: “It's good that the two of them are doing so well.

“Competition for places is always good and they have both come in and done very well.

“I've got to be patient and wait for my chance.

“I've got confidence in my ability and I know that if I can get my place back I can do a job for the team.

“Playing at right back is fine, but I prefer the play in the middle.”