Out-of-contract defender Alex Bruce will hold talks with manager Roy Keane regarding his future later this week. The 24-year-old was offered a new two-year deal in January but turned it down.

Bruce told the club site: "I have enjoyed my three years here, but it's disappointing that we have not made it to the Premier League in that time.

"I came here to play regular first team football and I've achieved that, but I also wanted to help the club win promotion, so that's been frustrating.

"I've been lucky enough to have enjoyed a good relationship with the supporters and, if I have played my last game, I want to say thanks to them.

"Hopefully though, something can be sorted out because I want to stay at Ipswich. It's out of my hands though.

"I felt that the offer that was made in January wasn't what I was looking for, but I have a meeting with the manager later this week and we will see if anything develops from there."

Already Tommy Miller and Iván Campo have been told they can leave the club with Bruce amongst 11 other players whose deals are up. The others are Shane Supple, Dan Harding, Chris Casement, Dean Bowditch, Liam Trotter, Kurt Robinson, Matt Richards, Billy Clarke, Jai Reason and Ed Upson.

Meanwhile, Town boss Roy Keane has been voted the hardest footballer of all time in a poll. Chelsea's Ron 'Chopper' Harris was second, Vinnie Jones was third and former Spurs man Dave Mackay came fourth.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls