Defender Alex Bruce says captaining the Republic of Ireland B team against Scotland in Tuesday's friendly at Airdrie is an honour and hopes that skippering the side will help him progress towards becoming a regular at full international level.

Bruce said: “It is a massive achievement and honour to be captain. I have captained underage and club reserve sides before, but this will be the first time at international level.

“I am really looking forward to the game and the armband will give me an extra bit of confidence going out there against the Scots.

“This is an excellent opportunity to stake my claim for a full international cap. When you are not involved in the A squad, it gives you a chance to show what you can do. That is certainly what I will be doing tomorrow along with the rest of the squad.”

Irish B team boss Pat Devlin is certain Bruce has what it takes to skipper a side: “Alex has a fantastic attitude both on and off the pitch. I am confident that he will encourage the team to play to the highest level tomorrow night in what should be a great match.”

Jon Walters is also in the B squad, while Shane Supple is with the Irish U21s for their European Championship qualifier with Bulgaria in Athlone on Tuesday evening. Owen Garvan (calf) and Billy Clarke (thigh) both pulled out of the squad and are doubts ahead of Town's trip to Cardiff City on Saturday.

Defender Chris Casement is in the Northern Ireland U21 squad for their qualifier against Moldova at Lurgan, also on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, midfielder Sammy Moore has commented on the possibility of joining Leeds on loan in January, as first revealed by TWTD in October: "It's nice a big club like Leeds are interested."

Elsewhere, legendary Town striker Paul Mariner is being linked with the vacant coach's job at the New York Red Bulls.

Mariner, currently assistant to ex-Liverpool midfielder Steve Nichol at the New England Revolution, is considering whether to make a move: "There are only 14 [MLS] teams, so it's difficult. Stevie and I have a great relationship. We don't always agree and we get into some heated discussions. But it would have to be the right situation and it would have to be as head coach."

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