Bruce not giving up on dreams of playing for country

For club, he has twice got into the Hull City side only to then have to drop out.

Now misfortune has extended to country with the Tigers defender unable to join up with the Northern Ireland squad this week due to a hamstring problem.

All in all, therefore, not a great time for the 30-year-old, who had been hoping to strengthen his claims for a place at the heart of a defence that has plenty of able candidates.

“It has not been an easy one for me but I feel I have got something to offer,” said Bruce, who switched to Northern Ireland in 2012 after making two friendly appearances for the Republic.

“You always want to play at the highest level possible and international football is that for me.

“I didn’t play a lot for Hull early in the season so it was hard. But I came back in against Liverpool (in a goalless draw) and showed what I can do. So, hopefully, I can get back in the team and keep doing well.

“I want to be back in the (Irish) squad, especially with the lads doing so well. But at the same time I think Michael (O’Neill, manager) knows that at my age he doesn’t need to be taking me all over if he doesn’t think he will use me.

“But there is a European Championship in 2016 and there is a chance of getting there. It is a short career and that kind of chance doesn’t come along often so I would love to be involved in helping to get us there.”

Bruce was last called up ahead of the Group F opener in Hungary but did not make the journey to Budapest due to the imminent arrival of his second child.

“I was in the squad for the Hungary match in September and trained with the lads down at Arsenal, but obviously Michael knew the situation with my wife going into labour and he was honest enough to say I wasn’t going to be starting so we made the sensible decision and I didn’t travel,” he added.

“I wasn’t in the squad for the double header (against the Faroes and Greece) then, which is a shame, but they’ve not done too bad without me so it’s hard to complain.

“I haven’t spoken to Michael recently but I know he’s had me watched quite a few times at Hull. I have not had a chance to play in central defence for Northern Ireland yet, which is my best position.

“But I still think I can do a job there if needed.”