Freddie Woodman is in "pole position" to start the season in goal for Newcastle United.
The former England Under-21 would be making his top-flight debut for the club following two seasons on loan at Swansea City in the Sky Bet Championship.
Woodman was hours away from signing for AFC Bournemouth last month when he was recalled back to Newcastle after it emerged that Martin Dubravka's foot injury would stop him from starting the new campaign.
The only way Woodman will not start against West Ham United this weekend is if Newcastle stopper Karl Darlow convinces staff he has shaken off the after-effects of Covid.
However, with no pre-season minutes at all under his belt, Darlow's sharpness must also be questionable.
And arguably on merit and form, Woodman is in line to make his debut bow after making some good first half saves to deny Norwich to earn his clean sheet.
When asked about the goalkeeping situation, Bruce told Chronicle Live: "Yes he has put himself in pole position, simply because of the problems we have with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.
"So he is in pole position and I thought he did very well.
"He was mature in his performance.
"You can see he's had two years on loan and played first-team football.
"I am very pleased with him."
Meanwhile, Newcastle's other squad goalkeeper Jake Turner - who has not featured in pre-season - has joined Colchester United on loan until the end of the year.
The 22-year-old, signed from Bolton Wanderers in 2019, was at Morecambe on loan last season and made 17 appearances.
