IPSWICH star Alex Bruce today vowed: “I won't be suspended again this season.”The 22-year-old defender has just completed a two-game ban that he accepts has put his first team place at risk.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH star Alex Bruce today vowed: “I won't be suspended again this season.”

The 22-year-old defender has just completed a two-game ban that he accepts has put his first team place at risk.

Bruce was uncertain of being recalled for today's trip to Crystal Palace after missing the FA Cup win over Swansea and Tuesday's goalless draw at Stoke.

He said: “I would understand if the gaffer stayed loyal to the players who kept clean sheets. I'd have no choice but to take it on the chin and knuckle down to try and win back my place in the team.

“I'm not a player who will go to the manager and have a moan. I never complain about a manager's decisions and I don't think any player should - no matter who they are.”

Bruce was boss Jim Magilton's first signing for Ipswich but picked up a one-game ban after collecting five yellow cards in his first eight games.

Another four followed in his next six outings but the former Birmingham player avoided being booked in his next 12 games.

Eventually, however, he succumbed towards the end of the FA Cup third round replay win over Chester and a tenth yellow card resulted in a two-game ban.

But Bruce insisted: “That's three games I have missed through suspension and it's not going to happen again this season.

“I would need to be booked another five times and I'm determined to avoid that. I suppose I might get one or two yellows but definitely not five.

“A lot has been made of me being booked so often but I think you could put it down to me perhaps being a bit over-enthusiastic when I first arrived here.

“I wanted to make an impression and when I think back I was possibly going for things a bit too eagerly.

“I'm certainly not a dirty player. I wasn't before I came to Ipswich and I'm not now.”

Bruce was a spectator at the Swansea game and he drove up to Stoke for Tuesday's clash at the Britannia Stadium.

He added: “I helped to keep three clean sheets - one as we beat Birmingham and another two in the games against Chester - and the rest of the lads have added another two.

“Defensively we've been doing well and we just need to get a few more goals at the other end if we're going to climb the table.

“Swansea were hard to break down and the main aim at Stoke was not to concede so we came away with a good point.”

Bruce believes the arrival of Jon Walters from Chester will increase the goals output between now and the end of the season.

He recalled: “Jon was a prolific scorer when we were together at Blackburn - his goals helped us win the Under-19 league ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest.

“I'm sure he will do well for Ipswich. He's a very good player and if he gets the chances he'll get his fair share of goals.”