The 30-year-old was among the 23-man party which left Wearside for the Peace Cup tournament knowing his career is at the crossroads.
Bramble made only eight appearances last season ... less time on the pitch than in the courts.
The former Ipswich, Newcastle and Wigan defender, who was cleared of two charges of sexual assault in May, says he is now desperate to get his career back on track.
But does Mackem boss Martin O'Neill see him a liability?
Titus Bramble: "Of course I have to impress the manager because he hasn't seen much of what I can do.
"It's a case of having a good pre-season, hopefully staying injury-free and playing a few games, then taking it from there.
"The manager has been fantastic since he has been here.
"It's always frustrating to be injured when a new manager comes in, but hopefully when this season comes, I can stake my claim."
Will he face another sexual assault charge during 2012/13?
On bookies is offering odds of 5/2.