Mario Melchiot (Holland), Kenny Cunningham & Clinton Morrison (both Republic of Ireland) will be given an extended break having played for their respective countries in World Cup qualifying games over the summer and are unlikely to figure in Blues' early pre-season fixtures.
Bruce has also confirmed that midfielder Muzzy Izzet, who has had no first team action since last November, will be taking part in the pre-season schedule having now recovered from his knee injury.