Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia is still being nursed back to full fitness after injury.
Kodjia has missed the bulk of the campaign with injury, in what has been a frustrating season for the attacker.
The Ivory Coast international has made just 12 appearances, but he is edging closer to fitness.
And Bruce has suggested that Kodjia could yet have a crucial role to play over the remainder of the season.
“I would have loved Jimmy Kodjia to have been fit and available all season,” said Bruce.
“When he came on the other night, there was something there.
“He still drives me mad at times and will continue to do that. But he is a talent and can score a goal.
“His first bit of movement the other day he has twisted and turned, tried a ridiculous shot and almost scored. That’s Jim for you.”
Kodjia has suffered with two long-term injuries this season, after damaging his knee and then injuring his ankle.
Bruce has been careful to ease Kodjia back into first-team life recently, with the 28-year-old only being used as a substitute.
Kodjia is likely to be on the bench again, as Villa take on Leeds United later this evening.
The claret and blues are likely to want to ensure Kodjia remains fit for the play offs, with Villa looking set to miss out on a top two spot.
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