Bramble Aims High With SAFC

When Steve Bruce signed ex-Newcastle and Wigan defender Titus Bramble a lot of fans made their feelings vocal.

However, after an impressive opening few games for Sunderland and he also kept a clean sheet against Man City, Bramble feels he can play his best football with Sunderland.

Bramble told the Sunderland Echo: 'The fans have been great ever since I got here and I want to repay them for that,' he added.

'I always said when I came here that it was up to me to prove myself as a Sunderland player out on the pitch and things have gone pretty well for me so far.

'I still think I need a few games to be at my best, but I've settled in well and it has been everything I'd hoped for when I decided I wanted to come here.

'It's an excellent club and I'm really enjoying it. You can talk as much as you want, but fans are going to warm to you if they see you are playing well on a matchday. That's all that matters.'

Bramble, 28, is also hoping that if Sunderland can maintain their good home form and change their results on the road they could aim for Europe this season.

Bramble added: 'We have some really good players here and if we can get some better luck with injuries, I don't see why we can't push for a European place.

'Of course, getting a win over a team like Manchester City helps give everyone a lift, the sort of performance and result which boosts confidence.

'We have a platform to build on now and hopefully we can go to Wigan after the international break and get something from that game as well.

'I know the away form was a problem last season for Sunderland and I've already been part of one poor performance on the road and I don't want another, especially as it's against the manager's and my former club.

'We were bad against West Brom and it just wasn't good enough really. We have shown how well we can play against Manchester City - now we have to maintain those standards.'

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