Roeder jumps to defence of Magpies duo

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is backing Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor to provide a long-term solution to the club’s defensive problems.

Roeder has already indicated his focus this summer will be on boosting the club’s attacking options, leaving Bramble, Taylor, Craig Moore, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Peter Ramage to fight it out for the two spots in central defence.

Roeder believes 24-year-old Bramble and Taylor, 20, can form a formidable partnership for years to come.

Taylor, a product of the club’s Academy, missed the bulk of last season with a dislocated shoulder, but proved his fitness in Alan Shearer’s testimonial clash with Celtic.

But Bramble has had chances to impressive former defender Roeder, and the manager believes there is more to come.

He said: “Titus is still relatively young as a central defender, and I’m looking forward to working with him and Steven.

“They have grown up through the Academy systems at Newcastle and Ipswich, and as far as a coaching relationship goes, they understand everything I’m talking about.

“Titus has nowhere near reached his potential. In the last seven or eight games of last season, he was really strong.

“He needs to improve his concentration, but as you get older and more mature, your concentration gets better.

“He’s at an age now where he should be kicking on in terms of his performances and consistency. When he reaches his full potential, he’ll be an excellent central defender.

“We need to work hard on the training ground. It’s not about me getting it out of him, we need him to get it out of himself week in, week out.

“It’s the same with Taylor – you see him listening to what you are saying.

“Some players – unfortunately – don’t want to be coached. They think they know it all.

“But that’s not the case with Titus and Taylor.”