A three-game ban has limited Bruce to just four league starts this season

Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton plans to hold more contract talks with defender Alex Bruce's agent next week.

The 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.

Magilton told BBC Radio Suffolk: "He's played more for me than any other manager, including his father, and knows what I think of him.

"If we can thrash out a deal then wonderful because he is very much part of our squad, if not then obviously we may look to do something in January."

Bruce is currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Magilton has also re-iterated that highly-rated winger Danny Haynes is still part of his plans despite the 20-year-old not starting a game since August.

"We can only have five on the bench and at the moment Danny is up and down with regard to performances.

"We still feel that he is going to make a massive impact on the season, it's just a case of once he gets in [to the team] he has to ensure that he stays there."

Magilton also confirmed that Haynes is not available for loan: "I feel that he is going to make more of an impact at our club than anywhere else."