Alex Bruce is expected to be named in the Republic of Ireland side which takes on Serbia in new coach Giovanni Trapattoni's first competitive match in charge at Croke Park on Saturday (Sky Sports Two, 7.30pm). Midfielder Owen Garvan is likely to be amongst the subs.

Bruce played in both the training games in the Algarve earlier in the week and was praised by Trapattoni. The 23-year-old is likely to partner Richard Dunne at the heart of the defence.

The centre-half won his first Ireland cap last summer in a friendly against Ecuador during a tour of the US.

Garvan will win his first senior international cap if he is involved against Serbia or in next Thursday's game against Colombia at Craven Cottage.

Meanwhile, Billy Clarke is expected to be in international action today at the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia. Ireland, who are fielding an U21 side in the U23 competition, take on Australia in the semi-finals. The winners of that game will face either Nigeria or Chile in the final.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls