CONCERNED dad Steve Bruce has revealed that he is hoping son Alex's contract situation with Ipswich Town can be resolved.

Derek Davis

CONCERNED dad Steve Bruce has revealed that he is hoping son Alex's contract situation with Ipswich Town can be resolved.

The Wigan manager who allowed Alex to join Blues from Birmingham when he was their manager has also denied an offer is on the table for Alex to consider.

Town boss Jim Magilton has constantly insisted negotiations are still ongoing.

Donning his worried father hat, Bruce senior said: “I know the kid is desperate to stay. I don't really interfere because he is big enough and old enough to get on with it.

“I do know for a fact that he is waiting for an offer. There has been nothing put to him that he can consider so far.

“He has been in talks during the summer, but nothing has developed from those talks.

“So at the moment he is just getting his head down and hoping to earn a contract. After his performance against us and while he has been here I hope it can be resolved.”

Steve admitted it was hard for him to watch from afar as his son tries hard to win a new deal before his current contract runs out next summer and had given Alex a few words of advice using his own managerial experience.

He said: “Of course it is difficult for me, because I'm his dad at the end of the day, but he is big boy know. He is 24 this weekend. Certainly from what I have seen he is popular here at Ipswich. I know he enjoys the club, he enjoys playing here and he wants to sign a new deal but at the moment noting is forthcoming.

“The frustration coupled with not being in the team over the past few weeks, but as far as I'm concerned all he can do wait and see.

“I have told Alex to get his head down and see what develops and see if there is a contract offer for him.”

Steve admits other managers had asked him about Alex, but insists he is happy that his son joined Ipswich from Birmingham and would like him to stay at Portman Road.

He said: “He was Jim's first signing and I'm pleased he came here. I wanted him to join Ipswich and he has had a good education here. He has played well from what I see.

“He had to go into the big bad world and Ipswich has been great for him. It is a fantastic club that always plays the right way as we saw in our game so I hope it is resolved.”

Alex almost notched his first senior goal for Town but his header was cleared off the Wigan line during the Blues' 4-1 league Cup loss.

Steve, who has to buy dinner for Alex and his mum Janet as part of winning the game, added: “If he had scored his mum might have opened the door for him, but I'm sure I wouldn't.”

Alex confirmed earlier this week that he was not aware of an offer being on the table and his agent was still in talks with Ipswich.

Magilton said last night: “We're still speaking to Alex's representatives and discussions are ongoing at the moment.”