Bramble targets England

"I was shocked and gutted to be left out of the England Under-21 side," he told the Journal. "I suppose it was because I'd been out injured, but I'd just had arguably my best-ever game for Newcastle against Arsenal.

"It hurt me to be honest, but you have to get over it. By playing in the Champions League with Newcastle I have the chance to prove that I'm good enough to play international football.

"My ultimate aim has got to be to push my way into the senior side and the Champions League can be my springboard to do that."

Bramble targets England

Last updated : 18 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott