The deadline-day signing prodded home from a 33rd-minute corner to hand Bruce’s side a 1-0 win over npower Championship opponents Charlton and keep them in the top two.
Bruce is aware that such a lofty position was not widely anticipated at the start of the campaign, but expects at least one of the automatic promotion places will go to a side who started the year unfancied.
“We were 40-1 outsiders at the start of the season,” said Bruce. “People didn’t give us a hope in hell but we’re there or thereabouts.
“With another week gone we’re still there. February is nearly gone and we’ll see where we go.
“I can’t see a reason why we can’t (go up). We’ve got 14 games to go and we probably have to win seven of them. We’ve got a chance, a good chance, but so do a few others.
“There’s been two outstanding results from Crystal Palace and from Watford too.
“Nobody predicted Hull, Palace and Watford would be chasing Cardiff but there we are.
“The Championship is a level playing field. That is the beauty of it, how hard it is.”
A campaign for David Silva to be considered for the Football Writers' Player of the Year award has been launched by Man City fans.
Senior Old Trafford insiders have rubbished claims Jose Mourinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have fallen out over the striker's absence.
Antonio Conte says he will be picking his best side for every game for the remainder of the season as they only play once a week.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has eased worries that Laurent Koscielny has suffered another serious injury.
After being drawn to play CSKA Moscow in the Europa League last eight Arsene Wenger has denied his side are now just a cup side.
West Brom have fined midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak for his reaction to being substituted last week, Alan Pardew has announced.
Karren Brady has issued a public apology for West Ham's problems on and off the pitch, and said the board takes full responsibility.
Despite being drawn against Liverpool in the quarter-finals, Leroy Sane believes Manchester City can win the Champions League.
Mauricio Pochettino is refusing to get distracted by the clamour for Tottenham to win trophies, insisting long-term development is key.
Jurgen Klopp has admitted Liverpool's Champions League draw against Premier League leaders Manchester City will be tough.
