Bruce is hoping the 29-year-old can become as big success in the Premier League as Wilson Palacios, who he discovered while in charge of Wigan.
He said: “I have had to. I have had big success in targeting the smaller South American countries, if you like.
“At the clubs I have been before, I couldn’t get anywhere near the Brazilians or the Argentinians.
“However, we went into Honduras and we have gone into Ecuador and we have gone into Paraguay, and they have all done remarkably well.
“I hope Paulo will do exactly the same – he has certainly got the credentials.
“He has captained his country for the last five years, he was captain of his team, Toluca in Mexico, and has a wealth of experience.
“I don’t think he missed a game in four years, and he is desperate to play in the Premier League, like most of them are.
“He will be trying to do exactly that.”
