The battle for a place in Bruce's line-up when Hull chase the first major honour in the club's history against Arsenal at Wembley is sure to be intense, and the final top-flight clash of the season on Sunday will provide another opportunity to stake a claim.
Striker Matty Fryatt did himself no harm in coming off the bench to net a splendid goal against Manchester United in midweek and a number of Bruce's squad advanced their cases, despite a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford in their penultimate league match.
The former Sunderland player clashed with Adnan Januzaj during the closing stages of Tuesday's match, with television replays suggesting a stamp on the Manchester United midfielder.
Bruce's men can reflect on a satisfying first season back in the top flight, though, and a positive result this weekend would not go amiss heading into their showpiece final.
Everton had been in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot for much of the season, but Roberto Martinez's men head to the KC Stadium to contest what is effectively a dead rubber.
But last weekend's 3-2 home loss to title-chasing Manchester City was a third defeat in four matches for Everton and ensured Arsenal retained their place at European football's top table, with Martinez's men set to finish fifth.
South Africa international Pienaar has not played since March's FA Cup loss to Arsenal, while Darron Gibson - sidelined for eight months following cruciate knee ligament surgery - is also back in training.
"Steven has been working with the team and that is very positive," Martinez told evertontv. "We will assess him before Sunday to see whether he can play a part or not.
"Darron Gibson has been working with the team as well. That is really good timing because he has been able to finish the season strong from his point of view.
"I don't know if Darron will make it in time to be involved with the squad but it is a positive sign nonetheless."
