Having a famous father has been a mixed blessing for Leicester City's Alex Bruce

Having footballing legends such as Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson and Peter Schmeichel popping round your house regularly may seem like every young aspiring footballer's dream. But for a young Alex Bruce growing up as his father, Steve Bruce, was leading Manchester United to league and cup glory, it was an every-day occurrence.

Bruce regarded some of the best players to grace the Premiership as simply "dad's workmates'', but he admitted being immersed in the world of professional football from an early age made it inevitable that he would try to follow in his father's footsteps.

Bruce has stepped out of his father's shadow to forge a career for himself as a centre-half, and he has arrived at Leicester City on loan from Ipswich until the end of the season determined to become an even better player with the help of City boss Nigel Pearson, who was a highly-rated centre-back himself during his playing days.

"I was lucky," admits Bruce. "But when you are brought up with it, it is just something you are used to. They were just my dad's work-mates.

"I had a privileged upbringing. I used to watch Manchester United every week and be in the players' lounge after every game. It is something that every kid can only dream of."

Young Bruce's dream was nearly dashed when he was released by United after nearly seven years with their highly-regarded youth academy. Bruce had been with United from the age of nine and he admits the decision to let him go at the age of 16 was a major blow.

He now believes it was a blessing in disguise, as it gave him the determination required to become a professional. "It was great at United's academy, it was a good grounding," he said. "I was there from the age of nine to 16. My dad was there as well and I think it was a little bit cushy for me, if I am honest.

"I was in my comfort zone a little bit. I thought it would be great and I didn't really know the ups and downs of football. I was still young and naive.

"I think that rejection when I was 16 made me the player I am today. It put that fire in my belly that maybe I didn't have.

"Perhaps I thought I could go through the motions and go through the youth teams, then into the reserves and then into the first team. I didn't understand rejection, so to get released at 16 was a massive disappointment for me.

"I went to Blackburn and signed my first professional contract, and it went on from there."

Bruce feels that while having a high-profile football personality as a father had its advantages, it has also had its disadvantages.

"I think the fact my dad is Steve Bruce has been a help and a hindrance really," he said.

"It has a lot of advantages, but when you are brought up like that it just seems normal.

"You tend to get some stick at some grounds you go to. If people have a problem with my dad, when I come across them they tend to have a problem with me as well. I have had a few situations like that in my time. It has its ups and downs."

After leaving Blackburn, Bruce was signed by his dad at Birmingham City before joining Ipswich Town, where he has played for another former United captain, Roy Keane.

Now Bruce is looking forward to serving City and he says he has already been inspired by Pearson.

"Nigel compares very well with all the managers I have played for before," he said.

"He is very professional and a calming influence. In the way he approaches games he tries to get the very best out of the players. I have only known him a short time but I am already hooked on trying to do well for him because he is a nice guy. Hopefully, he can get the best out of me.

"The first thing he said to me was to enjoy myself. He said: 'We are a well-run club and we are all pulling in the right direction as players and staff, and no-one is more important than another.' I thought that was a nice thing to hear.

"It was refreshing and I am looking forward to my stay."