Jack Colback didn't play in Newcastle's friendly game against Hibernian, but showed his versatility in pre-season when fielded on the left-hand side of defence.
Colback said: "I played left wing-back and it's a role I have done it before.
"I can do an all right job there but it's not something I am necessarily looking for.
"Sometimes I have to do a job for the team.
"We have a few players who are versatile.
"In pre-season it is all just about getting minutes into the player's legs or seeing the young lads come on and do well.
"That is what pre-season is all about."
Colback and United have been back from China for over a fortnight now but the midfielder admitted he enjoyed his time there.
He said: "The conditions were tough in China.
"We played well against West Ham over there and created some good chances.
"It was a nice bounce back from the Wolves game."
Speaking about trimming the squad down, Bruce said: "I've got to disappoint some players which is the awful side of the job.
"All of them to a tee have really had a go but I can only pick 22."