Newcastle maybe "famous" for their FA Cup history ... but certainly not for anything they have done recently.
Newcastle are six-time FA Cup winners but have disappointed repeatedly in the competition in recent seasons, failing to reach the fifth round since 2006.
That prompted Bruce, a three-time winner in his playing days with Manchester United, to state on his appointment as Magpies boss in July 2019 that a healthy cup run was one of his priorities.
Having gone out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle earlier this season, Bruce is keen to make a mark in the FA Cup - yet his side were thankful to be in Monday's fourth-round draw by the end after a rousing Rochdale fightback.
The Magpies had to prepare for this tie against the backdrop of a string of injuries to key players, but their manager was still able to field six players who started the last Premier League game against Leicester City on Wednesday.
In addition, Almiron, Dubravka, Federico Fernandez and Joelinton were starting their fourth games in the space of 10 days.
Atsu started brightly and it was his cutback which allowed Almiron to score his second goal of the season - a powerful strike as Rochdale backed off.
Newcastle, who lost Almiron and Muto to groin and hip injuries respectively, dominated possession and carved out chance after chance but were unable to finish off their opponents.
In the end they were made to pay as Wilbraham struck to ensure both teams will meet again to decide who makes it through to the fourth round.
"We stopped causing Rochdale a problem," said Bruce, who revealed Newcastle had twice been "knocked back" in attempts to bring in new players since the January transfer window opened.
"Our frailties were there to see. You cannot dominate the game like we did and not make it count."