Sol Campbell targets Newcastle United first-team debut

Campbell is hoping to make his Magpies debut after the international break

Newcastle United defender Sol Campbell has targeted the Premier League match against Blackpool on 11 September for his first-team debut.

Campbell, 35, who joined the Magpies in July, is yet to make a full appearance but came through Tuesday's 3-1 reserves win against Sunderland.

"I'm going to work towards that, that's going to be the aim for me," Campbell told BBC Newcastle.

"I'm going to keep working hard and I'm happy with how things are going."

Despite an impressive track record at Tottenham, Arsenal and Portsmouth in the top flight, the former England international faces a battle to force his way into the Newcastle side following the bright start made by current first-team centre-backs Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson.

He said: "Competition breeds success.

"It's a long season, there's going to be injuries and suspensions but the lads have started brilliantly.

"It's all about minutes on the pitch, and working really hard between the games and today was of benefit.

"There's still a few more small-sided games I need to do back in training, the next two weeks or a month will be very good."