However, the side made hard work of it against the newly promoted U's and had been reduced to playing with ten men following substitute Campbell Jerome's sending off twenty minutes from time.
"We were well on top in the first half and could have killed off the game in that period," Bruce said after the 2-1 win at St Andrew's.
"They had some breaks as we were shocked at their directness which doesn't happen in the Premiership.
"When we went down to ten men it was a bit of a struggle. I have seen the incident on TV and it looks harsh.
"Fair play to the lads. They kept at their task and the result was very pleasing and that is what matters at the end of the day.
"We have got a lot of young players who will take time to settle. At least I saw a little bit of resilience.
"Things were not going for us but we got the result and the little bit of class from Bendtner earned us the points.
"I think there were 15 clubs, including Celtic and Rangers, who were interested so I am well pleased to have him here."