Bruce said: "There's no immediate daylight with either Martin Grainger or Michael Johnson. Damien Johnson is still another week away as well.
"So Mat is very much in the reckoning. He's got over the calf strain he was carrying and I'm seriously looking at the situation.
"I know it's a massive game to consider throwing him in. In his favour is the fact that I believe left-back is a specialist position.
"You can get away with makeshift strikers or midfielders but you are more exposed defensively if you play someone back there who isn't used to it.
"I thought Darryl Powell did okay against Man City. We have tried Darren Carter there. But neither would list left-back as their first-choice positions -and I'm aware of that. It's not a healthy situation.
"I have to weigh up one or two things. Mat's definitely one for the future. I need to think about whether he's one for right now. He took his debut in his stride and that impressed us. But I have to consider whether it's too soon. I will make my mind up later this week."
BOLTON HEAD-TO-HEAD
If you would like the top stories on Singing The Blues to be emailed to you for FREE on a weekly or daily basis CLICK HERE