Bramble set for Magpie return

NEWCASTLE defender Titus Bramble could make a surprise UEFA Cup return in Lisbon tomorrow, putting himself in line for the FA Cup semi- final clash with Manchester United.

The 23-year-old has not played since limping off during the first half of his side’s quarter-final clash with Tottenham at St James’ Park last month after a hernia problem.

Bramble underwent surgery within days and immediately set his sights on Sunday’s date with United at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

However, he has made such progress that he was on the plane to Portugal yesterday and has a chance of playing in the UEFA Cup quarter-final, second-leg game against Sporting Lisbon.

However, Souness still has a major worry over Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given, who missed Sunday’s 1-0 Premiership defeat at Tottenham with a hip problem and remains a doubt.