Bramble bids for starring role

Bramble has agreed personal terms with Newcastle

Titus Bramble has vowed to make himself indispensable to Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson as he closes in on his big-money move to Tyneside.

The 20-year-old Ipswich defender has already agreed personal terms with United.

He will complete his £6m transfer once he has fully recovered from the surgery he had on a troublesome heel problem at the end of last season.

Bramble move on ice

And Bramble is determined to play a major role at St James' Park after a dispiriting final campaign with his home town club.

"Last season was a disappointment for me," he admitted. "I made a few mistakes and my confidence was low.

"I never got the long run in the team I needed. I didn't do enough to make George Burley think he couldn't drop me.

Bramble joins ex-Ipswich team-mate Keiron Dyer

"I hope to get that opportunity at Newcastle.

"I want Sir Bobby to put me on the team sheet every week. I want to make him pick me.

"I want to be a regular player - I want to play every week."

Bramble is also looking forward to playing in the Champions League and has heard all about the St James' Park experience from former Ipswich team-mate Kieron Dyer.

"I've heard a lot about the atmosphere from Kieron and I just want to get out there and sample it," he said.

"Kieron said that it's the best atmosphere in football, and I'm looking forward to sampling it for myself."

Magpies win Bernard case

Despite the fact that his move is yet to be rubber stamped, Bramble has been working with the medical staff at United's new training headquarters at Darsley Park in Benton this week as the potential purchasers monitor his recovery.

However, the player insists he is confident the move will go through without a hitch.

"I'm not at all worried about the transfer," he said. "Everything's okay and I'm doing fine.

"I've been training at Benton since Monday and I know there won't be a problem - it was only a minor operation."