IPSWICH Town defender Alex Bruce, who is set to have a key role in Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship game against Derby County at Portman Road, came through 30 minute of last night's Republic of Ireland 3-2 defeat against Poland in Dublin.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town defender Alex Bruce, who is set to have a key role in Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship game against Derby County at Portman Road, came through 30 minute of last night's Republic of Ireland 3-2 defeat against Poland in Dublin.

The 24-year-old won his second cap watched by his father, Wigan manager Steve. Bruce won his first cap back in May 2007 when he started a 1-1 friendly draw with Ecuador in New York.

Blues midfielder Veliche Shumulikoski played a full 90 minutes as Macedonia lost a friendly 2-1 in Montenegro.

Gareth McAuley did some light fitness work at Town's training ground yesterday, and has not been ruled out of the Derby match.

But with a match at Birmingham on Tuesday, the team captain is unlikely to be risked unless he shows he has fully recovered from a hamstring tweak.

Danny Haynes is now back in full training.