Central defender Alex Bruce has been told he will get a further chance to impress new Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni. The Italian left Bruce and Town team-mate Owen Garvan on the bench for both of this week's friendlies.

The 23-year-old says Trapattoni was impressed with his performances during their camp in the Algarve he played in two training matches: "I played in both friendly games we had during our training camp in Portugal before the Serbia game, and the coach said that I did well.

"He said that he was pleased with me and that I would have another opportunity in the future.”

Trapattoni spoke about Bruce glowingly after the training camp: "I already know the famous players. I already know Damien Duff, I already know Kevin Doyle. But it has been a beautiful surprise, the young players like Alex Bruce - he is calm, he plays with confidence and he has trust."

Garvan is similarly likely to get further chances to stake his claim for a place in the Irish starting line-up. The midfielder said earlier in the week that he will discuss whether to sign his new contract with the Blues after his return from international duty.

The 20-year-old's current deal is up at the end of 2008/09 with the new terms taking him to the summer of 2011. Premier League Middlesbrough, Everton and Wigan have all been linked in recent months.

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