Ryan Fraser may have to remain patient in his quest for a first-team start in the Premier League for Newcastle United.
The Scotland international - who is expected to be called up for his country's fixtures against Israel and Slovakia at Hampden Park next month after being scouted by SFA man Kevin Dillon - has been restricted to bit-part roles for United so far.
Bruce may maintain his cautious approach with the 26-year-old at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium meaning Fraser could have to wait for a chance to show one of the clubs who were interested in signing him this summer what they're missing.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's clash in the capital, Bruce said: "We've purposely left him out.
"He's now played two and a half hours so it's still early and we have to be careful with him.
"I'm just a bit guarded with him because his game is all about pace and being explosive so that game time will do him a world of good."
Bruce was delighted with Fraser's second half contributions at Morecambe in the 7-0 League Cup rout in midweek, but admitted the same could be said of all his players.
He said: "They did everything that was asked of them and if any of them sensed an opportunity to get into the team then they've done their bit.
"They all worked extremely hard and got the rewards for it. It was the kind of reaction we wanted."
