Bent is one of the Barclays Premier League's leading goalscorers this term with eight but has not found the net in his last three club outings.

Bruce expects that will rankle with the 25-year-old, even though the former Tottenham forward is still playing a prominent role.

"He gives you a terrific work ethic, he is a real team player," said Bruce, whose side face Arsenal tomorrow. "If he doesn't score he contributes to the team.

"West Ham, for instance, I thought was arguably his best performance for us. He didn't score but did everything but.

"But a goalscorer like Darren is never happy unless he scores a goal.

"Other centre forwards are happy to contribute and take a big pride in making goals for other people. Darren Bent is single-minded and wants to score a goal.

"I believe he will score because he keeps getting chances. He always has done in his career, so he's not going to stop now."