IPSWICH Town defender Alex Bruce said today it would have been a nightmare if he had been forced to miss Sunday's Championship derby at Norwich City.The Football Association upheld Bruce's appeal against his sending off for violent conduct in the 26th minute of Saturday's home win over Derby County.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town defender Alex Bruce said today it would have been a nightmare if he had been forced to miss Sunday's Championship derby at Norwich City.

The Football Association upheld Bruce's appeal against his sending off for violent conduct in the 26th minute of Saturday's home win over Derby County.

Derby keeper Stephen Bywater was also cleared.

Norwich-born Bruce said: “It would have been a nightmare to miss the match at Carrow Road.

“I was confident the appeal would go my way as I did not do too much wrong.”

But Bruce could face a possible suspension from Town's final two games at Leeds and at home to Cardiff City.

Along with Bywater he has now been charged with “improper conduct following dismissal” by the FA for their clash in the aftermath of their red cards.

Bruce is to contest the charge at a disciplinary hearing set for next Wednesday.