... Alan Pardew was right in saying the French international was short of fitness when he was at St James'' Park.
Ben Arfa and Pardew fell out at the start of the current campaign, with the Newcastle manager saying the player was not fit when he returned from his holiday.
Ben Arfa was in the wilderness at Newcastle United, having being sent to train with their youth and reserve team players.
Bruce stepped in to sign the 27-year-old on loan for the season, just beating the deadline, and he has vowed to get Ben Arfa back to his best form.
Ben Arfa was expected to start against Man City on Saturday, but he came on as a second-half substitute after 73 mins for Jake Livermore.
Steve Bruce: "I did’t think he was fit enough to go straight in at the start because he hasn’t played 90 minutes for I don’t know how long, and he still isn''t match fit.
“But that’s what you get when you’ve been ostracised, having to work with the Under-21s.
"You are going to miss the intensity of playing and training, that’s pretty normal. So he’s still got a bit to do fitness-wise.
“He’s going to have a big part to play here because he gives us the flexibility to play whatever formation we like.
“All I want him to do is go out there and enjoy playing again, feel wanted, be part of the club and be appreciated.”