Bruce defends Titus Bramble ahead of derby

Jan 16 2011 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

STEVE BRUCE insists Titus Bramble has nothing to prove when he faces his old side Newcastle in this afternoon’s Wear-Tyne derby.

Bramble was sent off in October’s 5-1 Halloween defeat at St James’ Park, but that red card has been the only blot on an otherwise excellent season for the big defender.

The 28-year-old returned to action last month after a six-week lay-off following knee cartilage surgery and, with regular skipper Lee Cattermole injured, has captained the side to back-to-back wins over Blackburn and Aston Villa in the last two league games.

Bruce will show his faith in Bramble’s temperament by handing him the armband again this afternoon.

He said: “I think if you ask most Sunderland fans who have seen him this year he would be arguably one of our best players. He has had a terrific season.

“It is no coincidence since he has been back in the side we have kept two clean sheets, against Blackburn and then away at Aston Villa, where he was terrific.

“He will be vital to us tomorrow, but he has nothing to prove as far as I am concerned.

“Yes, he had a bad day at St James’ Park. He mistimed a challenge.

“He was not any worse than anyone else on the day, but of course he mistimed a tackle and he got himself sent off, which summed up our day really.

“I will not need to say anything to him ahead of the derby, definitely not.

“I think he is at an age where he knows, he just knows.”

Bramble is in his second spell playing under Bruce, having first moved from Newcastle to Wigan in 2008.

Bruce left the DW Stadium to take over at Sunderland 18 months ago and Bramble followed him last summer for a bargain £1m.