JAIME Peters is today pinching himself. The Canadian international, who will be 22 next week, cannot believe his luck.

Elvin King

JAIME Peters is today pinching himself.

The Canadian international, who will be 22 next week, cannot believe his luck.

His career has been put back on track inside the last 10 days.

From going nowhere the Ipswich Town winger turned defender now has the football world at his feet again.

He is delighted how his life has turned round - and he heralded the appointment of Roy Keane as his new boss.

Before signing for Ipswich he had a trial at Manchester United, and said: “I was introduced to Roy and was shown around by Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I saw Roy around the place, although I was training with the reserves.

“He is a fantastic player and who better to learn from?

“It will give me a lift and I will relish the chance of having him in charge and on the training field next season.”

A shortage of defenders saw Jim Magilton pitch Peters back into the first team after a two-year absence against Norwich City the weekend before last.

Peters was a revelation at left back, and held his place for Saturday's 3-0 win at Cardiff City where he again earned rave reports playing right back.

Town had to appeal to get a work permit for Peters before putting him on a four year contract that takes him to next summer.

Peters also went to Chelsea for a trial before signing for Town.

Ipswich sold 500 season tickets for 2009/10 over the weekend following the extension of the Early Bird scheme. There were queues outside the ticket office yesterday.

Keane was away from the training ground yesterday with the players officially having a day off. But a number came in to do some work.

Defender Alex Bruce is expected to be fit enough to face Coventry City in Town's final game of the season at Portman Road on Sunday, a match that kicks-off at 1.15pm and is expected to draw a 24,000 crowd.

The Republic of Ireland international was dislocated a thumb in the first half of Saturday's win at Cardiff.

Physio Matt Byard said: “The plan is for Alex to train normally this week. His thumb will be protected, but it's expected that he should be fit for selection for the weekend.”

Skipper Gareth McAuley could also be in contention after missing out in recent weeks with the hamstring injury he suffered while away with Northern Ireland.

Tommy Smith will be in a reserve side that takes on Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road today (kick-off 2pm). Smith, who broke an ankle in August, has already played two games as his recovery proceeds well.

Chris Casement and Dean Bowditch are also set to feature for Chris Kiwomya's second string today.

Town reserves play their final Combination game at Stevenage on

May 6.