Although Kilkenny has been on the fringes this season - he has yet to start a Championship match - he is an important squad player in Bruce's eyes.
And the budding Australian international is considered a future star in the making at St Andrew's.
However, that cuts no ice with Kilkenny, who is becoming frustrated at his lack of playing time. He has come on as a substitute eight times this season, mainly towards the end of games.
His longest stretch of action in the league came when he replaced the injured Neil Danns in the 1-0 defeat by Norwich City in the 35th minute.
Kilkenny has been on the bench for four of the last five games.
Meanwhile, West Ham United are said to be the latest club interested in Matthew Upson. Portsmouth and Spurs are also keen on the £6million-rated centre-half.
Bruce has insisted that Blues are under no pressure to sell Upson and it wouldn't make sense considering he is needed to underpin their promotion challenge.
Upson's agent has insisted that there is no chance of him staying at St Andrew's even if Blues made a lucrative a new contract offer in the summer, on the back of retaining their Premiership status.
