Late tests for Bramble and Ameobi

Newcastle will give late fitness tests to defender Titus Bramble and striker Shola Ameobi ahead of Sunday’s vital Premiership trip to Aston Villa.

Bramble is a doubt with a thigh problem picked up during the 2-1 UEFA Cup victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night, while Ameobi suffered a thigh strain on reserve team duty yesterday.