Defender Alex Bruce is set to serve a one-match suspension following his sending off at Ipswich on Saturday.

Alex picked up two yellow cards - for two challenges on Andros Townsend - and was sent-off during the 2-1 defeat at Portman Road.

The prospect of a one-match ban will mean a frustrating time for the defender with United not due to return to action until the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday October 16.

While Alex will miss the trip to Boro, manager Simon Grayson says the international break will give added time for his injured players to recover and it could be that he welcomes one or more back into his squad for the journey north.

Kasper Schmeichel, Shane Higgs, Paul Connolly, Fede Bessone, Leigh Bromby, Aidy White, Lloyd Sam, Ross McCormick, Billy Paynter, and Ben Parker are all on what is a lengthy injury list, although as ever, the boss is giving no timescales.

"There's 10 players out at the moment," he said.

"Obviously Shane suffered his injury on Saturday and we will know more in due course, but the rest are making progress and the break gives us added time to see who is available for the game against Boro."