DAVID Wright believes that Alex Bruce will do a good job as Ipswich Town's new skipper.

Stuart Watson

DAVID Wright believes that Alex Bruce will do a good job as Ipswich Town's new skipper.

Town boss Roy Keane yesterday confirmed that Bruce will be given the captain's armband on a permanent basis after he took over from Gareth McAuley for the last two games.

Full-back Wright, 29, was considered as club captain at the start of last season but ultimately missed out to McAuley.

And, despite publicly stating his desire to be given the role, Wright saw Tommy Miller and Richard Wright given the job on the occasions it was available last season.

“It's obviously an honour to captain your football team, but this has happened very quickly, the gaffer has made his decision, and he's given it to Brucey,” said the former Wigan defender.

“I don't think anyone had much time to think about it to be honest and I am sure that Brucey will be a good captain for us.”

The decision to make Bruce the captain completes a tremendous turnaround for the 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international who at one stage looked like he might be heading for the exit door under Jim Magilton last season.

“Alex is taking on the role for now,” said Keane. “I spoke to Gareth before I left him out of the team at West Brom and he's been professional about it as you would expect.

“He is coming back from a fairly long injury and sometimes it's important for players to solely focus on getting back to full fitness so, for the time being, Alex has taken on the armband.

“He plays at the back and, like midfield, it's a good position to captain from. I know he's a bit young but I think he has the potential to be a good skipper.”