Bruce pleads with Sunderland fans to accept former Toon star Titus Bramble

Steve Bruce has pleaded with Sunderland fans not to make life hell for Titus Bramble.

The 28-year-old defender is putting the finishing touches to a cut-price £750,000 move from Wigan on a three-year deal worth £30,000-a-week after linking up with his new team-mates at their Portugal training base.

Bruce fears the ex-Newcastle centre-back could have a hard time winning over supporters because of his Toon links - and his reputation for high-profile mistakes.

The Sunderland boss called on fans to get behind the new arrival, who spent five years at St James’ Park, and he said: “I thought long and hard about signing him because I knew it might be difficult for our fans and for him.

“But the great thing is that the lad’s got plenty of bottle. He showed that by wanting to come here and wanting to play for me and Sunderland.

“I’m sure our fans will recognise that and give him a fair crack of the whip because they want the same as me and the same as Titus, which is success for this club. If Titus shows that he can make us better, then I don’t think supporters will have a problem accepting him.

“The easiest thing would have been not to sign him and to avoid any hassle, but I think he’s a player who can genuinely improve us.”

Bruce is closing in on David James as a short-term replacement for crocked keeper Craig Gordon.

The Black Cats boss wants the England shot-stopper to fill-in for broken arm victim Gordon, who is set to be out for up to three months.

James is also a target for Celtic, and his agent Colin Gordon said: “David’s interested in a move to Sunderland and talks are ono-going. We’re hopeful something can be done.

“From what I understand about Craig’s injury, if David joins Sunderland he’d have two to three months to show what he’s capable of but we’re looking for at least a one-year deal.”