IPSWICH Town's Alex Bruce today vowed to win his place back in the Blues' first team.The 25-year-old defender has been out of action since the Sheffield Wednesday game on November 21 after suffering a tear in a groin muscle and he faces a stiff task to get back into the side with the back four currently doing so well.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's Alex Bruce today vowed to win his place back in the Blues' first team.

The 25-year-old defender has been out of action since the Sheffield Wednesday game on November 21 after suffering a tear in a groin muscle and he faces a stiff task to get back into the side with the back four currently doing so well.

But Bruce, who for a few weeks was club skipper between Gareth McAuley and Jon Walters earlier in the season, is relishing the challenge.

He is not ready for a return for the visit to Scunthorpe tomorrow, but expects to be fit for the Christmas period.

“Injuries are part and parcel of football, and I am now close to full fitness again,” said Bruce.

“The team has been playing well, but I have fought my way back into the side before and there is no reason why I cannot do it again.”

For the first five months of this year, Bruce was the subject of much speculation over his future. He turned down former manager Jim Magilton's first offer, but eventually signed a new Town contract.

“I'm delighted to have signed it,” added Bruce. “There have been a lot of changes since then and it's taken time for the team to gel. But we have achieved that now.

“We haven't given our supporters much to cheer about this year, but my message to them is to keep your wonderful support going.

“In any walk of life you need to be patient, but this precious commodity it is not seen in football as often as it should be.

“We have built a solid base and my fingers are crossed 2010 will prove a successful year for Ipswich Town.

“The team has been unbeaten for 10 matches, and with a few more wins we would be in the top half of the table by now. We must look to do this in the second half of the season.”

Bruce started physical work this week and plans to step up his training and be available for selection when the Blues visit Crystal Palace on December 26 and entertain Queens Park Rangers two days later. Along with Stern John, Carlos Edwards and Luca Civelli, Bruce handed out Christmas presents this week at Bergholt children's ward, Ipswich Hospital.

“It's not nice to be in hospital over Christmas, and the lads all had a whip round to provide presents and gifts that have hopefully put smiles on a few faces,” said Bruce.