Newcastle United FC

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Bramble's calf blow

04 Dec 2006 - 16:21:28

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Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder has been dealt a blow in the build-up to Wednesday's Premiership clash against Reading after discovering that Titus Bramble will miss the match because of a calf injury.

The 25-year-old former Ipswich Town central defender picked up the problem during last Thursday's goalless UEFA Cup draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Roeder told the club's official website: "Titus took a kick on his calf out in Germany last week.

"We thought it would settle down but unfortunately it hasn't in time and he will be out for Wednesday."

Meanwhile, Roeder is looking forward to next month's FA Cup third round clash with Birmingham City and knows that Nicky Butt in particular will be desperate to play in the match.

The former Manchester United midfielder spent last season on loan at St Andrew's and Roeder said: "Nicky Butt's ears will have pricked up when he heard the draw.

"But I have to say that I'm happy he'll be playing for us and not Birmingham. In fact I'd say he is currently playing better than at any time since he left Old Trafford.

"We'd have loved a home draw for our supporters. But we've already played six matches away from home in cup football this season and not lost any of them."