Elliot Anderson is in the squad to face Arsenal for Newcastle United's FA Cup third-round tie and could make his debut at the Emirates Stadium.
The 18-year-old is set to take a place on the bench amid strong interest from a string of Championship clubs who are eyeing up a January loan deal.
Ideally, Newcastle would like the youngster to get a taste of life in the first-team this season after signing a long-term contract last year.
Bruce told Chronicle Live: "There will be a time and it might be tomorrow.
"You always ask are they ready? We certainly know the kid is a decent footballer but in the past I have always enjoyed seeing players get their debut.
"Who could forget young Matty Longstaff's debut last year against Man United.
"People scratched their heads and said: 'He's not going to throw him in against Man Utd surely?'
"We threw him in and he done very well."
In terms of what lies ahead, Bruce said: "We'll see.
"But we are very hopeful that the boy has a smashing career ahead of him."
Bruce blocked an outgoing loan deal to Bradford for Matty Longstaff last season in one of his first acts as manager in July 2019.
The Toon boss may see a pathway into the first-team for Anderson this term but the youngster would have to bide his time.
