Alex Bruce is hoping to hang on to his place in the heart of the Town defence for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday as Roy Keane considers his options.

Blues could be boosted for Saturday's clash with the Owls by the return of Tommy Smith and Gareth McAuley after the duo were sidelined with hand and thigh injuries recently.

Both are now back in full training after missing the win over Derby and the draw at Reading, with Alex and Damien Delaney forming a new look central defensive pairing in those games.

"Damien and I had not played together in the middle before and it does take time to build up that understanding but I think we've done okay," Alex told the Club website.

"Obviously it's better if you have a settled partner at the back but the way the Championship is with so many games and players going to get injured, pick up suspensions, things are always going to change around.

"We have not been winning games either so the manager is going to try different players and different combinations but hopefully I can keep my place for Saturday."

Injury has ruled out Tommy Miller returning to Portman Road for the game, the former Town midfielder sustaining a hamstring injury in training.

"Tommy has been a great servant to Ipswich and it's a shame he will miss out on Saturday," added Alex.

"I spoke to him on the phone the other day and he was having a scan. I'm not sure if he will come to the game but if he does, it will be good to see him again."

Kick-off at Portman Road is 5.20pm, with the game covered live on Sky TV.