NEWCASTLE midfielder Jermaine Jenas last night insisted that it is better to be a non-playing member of the England squad than not to be part of the national set-up at all.

Jenas teamed up with the rest of Sven Goran Eriksson's squad last week ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifying win over Wales, but failed to make the bench at Old Trafford.

David Beckham's enforced absence means he should be among the substitutes in Azerbaijan this evening, but Shaun Wright-Phillips, Owen Hargreaves and Alan Smith are all more likely to start in the vacant berth on the right of midfield.

All seven of Jenas' full international caps have been won from the bench, with the 21-year-old yet to stamp his authority on the international scene.

Despite the frustration of kicking his heels on the sidelines, the former Nottingham Forest midfielder remains delighted to be a part of Eriksson's plans.

"The most important thing for me is that I'm part of the squad because it means I'm involved with the best players in the country and can show the coach what I am capable of," said Jenas, who broke his seasonal duck at St Andrew's in Newcastle's last League game.

"Of course it's frustrating not to play, and it can be difficult to come away for a long period of time knowing that, unless there are injuries, I am unlikely to play.

"But there is still nowhere I'd rather be during an international week. I missed out on the squad for Euro 2004, but I've been picked for every squad since and that means I must be playing well for Newcastle.

"I'm determined to make the next step up and that means breaking into the side. I've not started a game for England yet, so that has got to be my next aim.

"The only way I can do that is to keep performing for Newcastle and wait for an opening to appear. When I get the chance, it's up to me to take it."

Meanwhile, United boss Graeme Souness has revealed that he will not be pressing striker Patrick Kluivert back into action unless he is convinced he is fully fit.

The Dutch international limped out of Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Birmingham because of a hamstring problem and has still to resume full training.

Kluivert is confident he will be fit to play in Sunday's Premiership clash at Charlton. But with that game kicking off a run of five matches in a fortnight, Souness is adamant he will not be taking any unnecessary risks.

"Patrick Kluivert has been having treatment and he is coming on fine," said the Newcastle boss, who is still able to boast an unbeaten record since taking over at St James' Park.

"His hamstring is reacting well to the treatment, but we have a busy run of games coming up and we have to get it right with him."

* Newcastle have confirmed the appointment of former player Kenny Wharton as Academy coach.

Wharton, who made 335 appearances for the Magpies in an 11-year playing career, will work under newly-appointed Academy director John Carver.

* Titus Bramble could be in line for a first team recall after Sunday's Premiership match against Charlton - but he is unlikely to forget his comeback game, a 3-0 reserve loss to Aston Villa last night.

The big defender took the field for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in the pre-season Newcastle-Gateshead Cup competition and gave away two fouls that enabled unbeaten Villa to establish a useful interval lead.

The first came on 21 minutes when the former Ipswich star, unlucky to be confronted by Villa's lively striker Luke Moore, upended the youngster a few yards outside the box.

Stephen Cook stepped up to send a fine curling free-kick past Adam Bartlett.

A minute before the interval Moore was again brought down by Bramble, but got up to stroke home the penalty.

Newcastle played some good football, but failed to work 'keeper Robert Olejnik and Gabriel Agbonlahor put the result beyond doubt with a cool finish from Gardner's 70th minute through ball.

Despite the incidents, coach Tommy Craig was delighted with Bramble's performance. "Titus has played well tonight and I have nothing but praise for him," he said. "He was committed and aggressive and his distribution was good. I know he put out his leg for the penalty, but that can happen to anyone.

"I will be putting in a favourable report about him."

Newcastle (4-4-2): Bartlett; Gate, Johnsen, Bramble, Cave; Brittain, Smilie (Edgar 46), McClen (Webster 69), Howe; Bates (Finnigan 55), Guy. Subs not used: Smith, Walton.