[kennethlindheim]

Titus Bramble is targeting an instant return to Newcastle United's back four against Aston Villa next week after the big centre-half put himself forward to play for the reserves this week.

Bramble has not featured for the Magpies since he took a hefty whack on his calf against Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of November.

The injury was so serious that the 25-year-old, who will be offered an extended contract at Newcastle in the next few weeks, was kept in hospital for ten days so his condition could be monitored.

Bramble has been training with the first team for the last week, but wants to play in a match before making a comeback in the Premiership after almost two months on the sidelines.

With Stephen Carr back after a foot injury and Craig Moore and Celestine Babayaro also likely to return to training next week, Newcastle's injury problems are finally starting to ease at the back, despite the loss of Shay Given and Peter Ramage in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with West Ham.

icNewcastle - Titus eases injury woes for Magpies