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.