"Jermaine's ability has never been in question. He just needs to sort out the other side of his life - and is making big inroads on doing that. He is in a good environment at Liverpool. He knows he has got to behave and grow up very quickly," said Bruce.
"It's a big club and there will be people in the dressing room who will pull him into line if need be.
"Jermaine is a good kid, who is easily influenced. He seems to be everyone's kicking block.
"I had many rows with him but never wanted to get rid of him. I always knew he had talent."