"I've been scouring all summer for a person who fits Maik's bill," Bruce told the Birmingham Evening Mail.
"What I like about him is that he's been there, done it and worn the t-shirt.
"He's a top-class goalkeeper, which is what I was always after.
"You don't want to be bringing people in just for the sake of bringing them in. They've got to be as good as you've got and, hopefully, better.
"There are a few little things we still have to tie up but hopefully he will be available tonight at Walsall."