Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has given his blessing to son Alex's decision to pursue an international career with the Republic of Ireland. Bruce has been included for the first time in an 18-strong under-21 squad for a friendly with Sweden in Drogheda next Tuesday.

After spurning the overtures of Northern Ireland on three previous occasions, the 21-year-old centre-back has opted for the Republic.

"He was fortunate that both respective countries wanted him, and he has decided to choose the Republic," said the former Manchester United defender. "I think the opportunity to gain international recognition appeals to Alex and I am happy to support him in that. With his grandparents being Irish he thought, 'Why not?' But it's genuine, both sides of our family are Irish."

Under-21 manager Don Givens only learned of Bruce's lineage earlier this year when seated alongside the City boss at a reserve game. "Steve informed me his mother was Irish, which I was unaware of," said Givens. "All of a sudden I started looking at the boy a bit differently, and I have kept an eye on him since. . . he is a good player, and he is versatile as he is comfortable playing at right back or centre half, which is an advantage."

Playing for Ireland is an opportunity Bruce senior missed out on 12 years ago. "With my mother being Irish it was a close call," Bruce said. "I nearly went, but I decided against it as we were going to be hindered as a club at Manchester United with the five foreigners rule."

Keane needs more games to settle

Roy Keane has admitted he is still learning about the strengths and weaknesses of his Celtic team-mates, despite recently establishing himself in the Parkhead side's first XI, reports Ewan Murray.

The former Manchester United captain has given impressive displays alongside Neil Lennon in the heart of Gordon Strachan's midfield, but says he is still adjusting to life in Glasgow.

Keane has been staying in a hotel since moving north in December and feels he needs "seven or eight" more games to reach his true form. "I think I need to get more games under my belt," explained the 34-year-old. "I've already been asked about the different standards and different players, but it's too early for me to judge. I'll take stock at the end of the season. I do feel as though there will be more to come, when I find a place and get settled and get into the swing of things and also get to know different players' strengths."

Keane has also warned Celtic's rivals in the league that Strachan and his players have no intention of easing up in the closing weeks of the season, even with the reclaiming of the domestic title appearing little more than a formality. Celtic hold a 13-point lead over second-place Hearts and crushed Dunfermline 8-1 on Sunday.

"We have to keep trying to get these wins because, before you know it, there is another week gone and a game less for the other team to try and pounce on any mistakes," he said. "All we can do is try to drill home that we are not easing up, so the likes of Hearts, Hibs and Rangers will keep looking at you and think you mean business."

In brief. . .

Real Madrid say they have no plans to sell Ronaldo. The media speculation, sparked by Ronaldo's recent criticism of the club's fans, has drawn an interested reaction from several big clubs, including AC Milan. The Spanish club have also said the injury to Jonathan Woodgate is not as serious as at first feared and the England defender has strained, rather than torn, a muscle in his left thigh. World soccer's law-making body will study camera-based goalline technology submitted by the Italian federation at their annual general meeting on March 4th. The technology, aimed at showing whether the ball has crossed the line, "uses high-performance digital cameras", Fifa said in a statement. Reports suggest Alex Ferguson has made a £5-million move for 18-year-old Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon a priority in the summer transfer window. Finally, Portsmouth will not face action from the English Premier League for their alleged illegal approach to capture Harry Redknapp back from rivals Southampton.