INCE: BRUCIE BELONGS IN THE BIG TIME

PAUL INCE has backed his old Manchester United captain Steve Bruce to lead West Brom back to the Premier League.

Bruce has had a tough first three months at The Hawthorns but has been supported by Albion’s top brass.

Now Ince (above) has given him a vote of confidence too and is still disgusted with the way his close pal was treated by former club Newcastle.

The interim Reading boss said: “I hope Steve does well for West Brom. He’s a top-class manager, you think of all the clubs he’s been at and how well he’s done.

“He didn’t deserve the way he was treated [at Newcastle] by fans, especially as he’s a Geordie lad.

“You don’t get time in management. West Brom came down last year and there will always be pressure on Steve to get them back to where they belong.

“They have a good squad, I hope they can build on it next year. I would love to see Brucie back in the Premier League.”

There were at least glimmers on Saturday with Karlan Grant scoring the winner with a neat finish 12 minutes from time of a poor game.

Bruce and Ince played together in United’s glorious sides of the 1990s and have both recently been tempted back into football despite the wishes of their loved ones.

Ince said: “He sat in my office before this game and we were both saying ‘you’re mad for coming back.’ Our wives Claire and Janet are very good friends and said ‘don’t go back into it.’

Ince will make his own decision on his Reading future this week after leading them to safety.

He said: “My focus is on next week but when it comes to Steve I always want him to do well.

“Hopefully we will be working against each other next year.”

Bruce added: “He has a big decision on what he does next year. But I wish him well.”