Bramble facing first-team battle

By Matthew Jones
August 8 2002

Sir Bobby Robson has warned Titus Bramble that he cannot expect to walk straight into Newcastle's starting line-up.

Sir Bobby Robson has warned Titus Bramble that he cannot expect to walk straight into Newcastle's starting line-up.

The £5m summer signing took his place in United's back four in front of a home crowd for the first time in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat by Barcelona.

The England Under-21 international was given a baptism of fire by the Barca forwards on his Tyneside debut and Robson, while insisting he is impressed by the 20-year-old's contribution this summer, chose to remind Bramble that he has other options at the back.

"Apart from a couple of errors, I thought Titus Bramble played well, and the crowd seemed to warm to him," said the United boss.

"Having said that, there are still places up for grabs and Andy O'Brien should be fit for selection next week."