We can shock Europe - Bramble

By Matthew Jones
August 31 2002

Newcastle new-boy Titus Bramble has warned the club's Champions League opposition that it would be foolish to underestimate the Magpies.

Newcastle new-boy Titus Bramble has warned the club's Champions League opposition that it would be foolish to underestimate the Magpies.

The former Ipswich star is confident that his side can shock the big guns of Europe in much the same way that Bobby Robson's men did the Premiership last season.

He said: "Newcastle were not expected to do much last season, but went on to prove they are among the leading contenders for silverware.

"Newcastle were basically under-estimated and they punished people. I think the same will happen in the Champions League this time around and that will help us.

"We do not have that in our favour any more in England, but then again we have a better squad than last year, while players like Laurent Robert are more comfortable in English football as it is their second season.

"Yet some of the big names in Europe might think we are an easy touch and if they do they will suffer. We are quite capable of progressing in the competition," he told The Journal.