ALEX Bruce wants to see an action replay of Ipswich's win over Southend when they play Luton in Sunday's Sky match.But there is one aspect of their 3-1 victory at Roots Hall that he will be out to avoid.

By Mel Henderson

ALEX Bruce wants to see an action replay of their win over Southend when they play Luton in Sunday's Sky match (kick-off 1.15pm).

But there is one aspect of their 3-1 victory at Roots Hall that he will be out to avoid.

The former Birmingham player collected his seventh booking in 11 Town appearances and realises he is on his way to a second suspension of the season.

Bruce, 22, said: “I have to stop what I call the silly bookings, the ones that come about as a result of rash tackles.

“I can't really change. A lot of people have put a question mark against my temperament but there's no problem there.

“If I did change I might stop going into tackles and I wouldn't be the same player.

“It's not as if I'm being booked for dissent or throwing the ball away.

“If I was, people would have a right to have a go and I'd take the criticism on the chin”.

Bruce has sought the advice of his father, Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, for whom falling foul of referees in his heyday with Manchester United was an occupational hazard.

He said: “My dad was suspended all the time but defenders tend to pick up more yellow cards than players in other positions.

“At Southend last week I came off thinking 'booked again, what an idiot', but when I thought about it I was guilty of only one mis-timed tackle.

“There were bad tackles all over the pitch that were let go and I felt a bit hard done by.

“But my dad and the gaffer, Jim Magilton, have both said the same to me - that I just have to try to stop being rash at times - and I'll be trying to take their advice”.

Bruce will be alongside Jason De Vos at the heart of the town defence when fifth placed Luton visit Portman Road on Sunday.

He added: “I much prefer playing there. It is definitely my favourite position and I feel at home there.

“I know Richard Naylor is keen to get his place back as soon as possible and I would be the same in that situation.

“I think we can benefit from having more of a settled team. I know there will always be injuries, suspensions and things like that but I think the gaffer is keen to keep the same team together, always providing we are getting results.

“If we can play the way we did at Southend I think we can take all three points off Luton.”