BRUCE: BRAMBLE`S THE REAL DEAL

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has hailed the form of Titus Bramble, labelling the defender the 'real deal'.

Former Newcastle United centre-back Bramble has come in for criticism in the past following a number of high-profile mistakes.

However, the 27-year-old has impressed of late, helping the Latics to three clean sheets in their last four games.

Bruce said in the Daily Mirror: "I had to get after him at times, I dropped him and was constantly at him.

"We kept on at him about concentrating and keeping it simple. He's done that. "You get better with age when you are a centre-half, you know where to stand and you're not as rash.

"Titus now looks the real deal everyone thought he could be. He's worked really hard."

omgukilledkenny

4 Mar 09, 22:02

wtf.

the Bear

4 Mar 09, 22:04

watch him screw things up the next match

omgukilledkenny

5 Mar 09, 02:38

Bramble for England, claims Kirkland

Once a national joke, Titus Bramble has now been tipped to become an international footballer by Wigan Athletic team-mate Chris Kirkland.

Bramble’s name became synonymous with lapses of concentration during his time at Newcastle United but the defender has replied to his critics with an impressive run of form at The JJB Stadium.

The former Ipswich Town star has been a key figure in a defence that has conceded only 26 goals in 27 league games and has attracted lavish praise from manager Steve Bruce and a number of team-mates.

Now Kirkland has called on Fabio Capello to recognise Bramble’s performances with a call-up to the England squad.

"If he keeps playing the way he is, he has to be in with a shout," Kirkland told the Wigan Observer.

"He is the outstanding player on the pitch most weeks at the moment. If he can keep that up, why not?

"He has had a tough time from a few people, totally unfair in my opinion, and he just needs to carry on showing what he can do for Wigan and we're all grateful we've got him here.

"Titus, for me, has been our Player of the Year so far this season.

"He has been superb and he deserves all the plaudits because he has taken some unfair criticism throughout his career and now he is throwing it back at his critics which is great.

"I have played behind him now for a couple of seasons and when I know he is playing it makes me feel a lot easier."