Republic of Ireland defender Alex Bruce is determined to catch Giovanni Trapattoni's eye as he sets his sights on a second international cap.The 23-year-old Ipswich player lined up for his country in Sunday's training match against Portimonese in Portugal and along with central defensive partner Paul McShane, earned the Italian's praise for his performance in a 1-1 draw.

With Richard Dunne not joining up with the squad until their return to Dublin on Thursday and Manchester United's John O'Shea currently preparing for Wednesday's Champions League final, Bruce knows he has a chance to make his mark on Trapattoni ahead of the forthcoming friendly clashes with Serbia and Colombia.

He said: "It's a good opportunity for myself and Paul with Richard Dunne not here and John O'Shea away on Champions League duty.

"Hopefully we can show the new manager what we can do. When you do well, it's always a big opportunity, no matter what game you are in and whoever the opposition is.

"We have just got to see some good bits from each player and hopefully he will give us a chance in the bigger games coming up."

The Republic recovered from a shaky start against Liga Vitalis side Portimonese to ensure their new manager's reign did not begin with a defeat.

Dean Kiely, returning to international football after five years, was beaten within 16 minutes when striker Gonzalo thumped a low drive past him, and Bruce had to make a good block to deny the same man a second eight minutes later.

However, substitute Andy Keogh - the first of seven second-half replacements - equalised within four minutes of his arrival and debutant Sean Scannell was denied an injury-time winner by keeper Michael and then defender Andre.

Trapattoni was animated throughout in the technical area, and admitted he was kicking every ball.

He said: "I clarify things for the players. I play with them. I have to help them.

"I am not shouting at them, I am calling their attention. For example, a player is looking down at the ground and I shout, 'Turn and look a the ball. There isn't money on the pitch. Keep your eyes on the ball.

"You can improve your position immediately if you keep your eye on the ball. What is there to look at on the pitch? Grass.

"It's a habit. I get animated because I want to help them and I want to win."

Eire will face Lagos at the Estadio Municipal on Monday evening when Trapattoni will make changes - he used seven substitutes in Portimao and only Kevin Foley and Owen Garvan of the 20-strong squad remained on the bench.

But whatever else he will look to change over the coming months and years, Trapattoni is keen that his players retain their intensity on the pitch.

He said: "I don't want to change their mentality. I like their mentality.

"It is important that they have a good mentality, a good approach and that they are aggressive in a way."

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