The former Newcastle United defender had a five-year rollercoast ride at St James' Park earning the nick-name "Mr Inconsistent".
He is in his first season at Sunderland but captained the side in the New Year's Day win over Blackburn Rovers and kept the armband for the game against Aston Villa last night.
With the Tyne-Wear coming up soon, he could lead the team out against the Magpies, which will spur him on after his red card in the 5-1 humiliation on Tyneside when Chis Hughton was incharge.
Sunderland announced today that the Wear-Tyne derby a week on Sunday is a sell-out at the Stadium of Light.
Steve Bruce: "If Bolo had been in the starting line-up he would be automatic choice, as he is the club captain.
"But I gave the responsibility to Titus in the starting 11 against Blackburn and that won't change.
"He did very well and I will stick with him at the moment.
"It might have surprised a few people but I have never had doubts about him.
"He has played something like 270 games in the Premier League, which is a fantastic achievement.
"He has got better and better and all that stuff when he was younger – he got a big money move when he was 19 and was too young perhaps to deal with it.
"Centre-halves get better with age and he was terrific the other day against Blackburn, so he'll keep the captain's armband.
"He was rusty against Blackpool, and you could see that but he still put himself on the line and he's looking good again."