Bramble on comeback trail

Newcastle defender Titus Bramble was today starting his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery to repair a hernia on the eve of his side’s UEFA Cup clash with Olympiacos at St James’ Park.

The defender will be out for up to six weeks and manager Graeme Souness is keeping his fingers crossed that Andy O’Brien (back) and Steven Taylor (ankle) recover in time with Celestine Babayaro out with a knee problem and Jean-Alain Boumsong ineligible.

Souness’ other main worry is striker Patrick Kluivert, who picked up a slight knee injury in the 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Tottenham on Sunday, although the Dutchman is hopeful of being fit.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Carr, Taylor, Hughes, O’Brien, Ramage, Dyer, Robert, Faye, Bowyer, Butt, Jenas, Milner, N’Zogbia, Shearer, Kluivert, Ameobi.