TITUS BRAMBLE was regarded as one of Newcastle United's brat pack along with team-mate Kieron Dyer.

Much-publicised trouble off the field and inconsistent displays on it hardly endeared him to the fanatical Magpies' supporters.

But, under manager Graeme Souness, Bramble claims to be a new man, choosing to turn on the latest DVD releases with best friend Dyer rather than go out partying on Newcastle's Quayside.

Few can argue that his more professional approach to life has worked wonders for his game. The error-strewn centre-back has been transformed into the rock at the heart of the defence which Souness is having to rely on.

The Newcastle boss was quick to hold a meeting with Bramble when he first took over on Tyneside a little over a year ago, when the player was asked to choose between Newcastle and clubbing on a regular basis.

And, on the basis of his form when he has been fit since the turn of the year, the decision he made is clearly evident.

"My lifestyle has changed, it had to," said Bramble, whose size would suit a nightclub doorman as much as being used as an uncompromising defender.

"I don't go out much at all and if I do it is to the cinema with Kieron Dyer for the odd movie. After the game I will go out, but not during the week. There is a time and a place.

"Occasionally I got that balance wrong when I was younger. When I first came up here, probably because I was in a new city, I did go out too much. The gaffer said it was up to me. I spoke to myself and said, "he is right", and hopefully my performances have improved.

"The gaffer gave me a few home truths. Basically he said it was my career he was talking about. He was brutally honest as you would expect and he told me some things that needed to be said.

"He said you have two paths to go down.

"You can go back to Ipswich or stay here and have a very successful career. It did sink in and I have taken it on board."

Dyer, who was the first of the pair to swap Ipswich for Newcastle, has had a similarly tough time of things at Newcastle.

When he returns from his latest hamstring injury against Portsmouth tomorrow, the England midfielder knows he still has work to do to convince the supporters how much he loves the club.

Despite signing a long-term deal with the club, fans will always remember his refusal to play on the right of midfield for former manager Sir Bobby Robson and the onfield bust-up with Lee Bowyer last season.

Bramble feels Dyer has been given a rough ride. "Kieron is a great bloke. I feel for him really, because the perception of Kieron is as a party animal but I know, and so does everyone at the club, that he doesn't go out much at all," said Bramble.

"When he does he always seems to get knocked for it. People make a big story out of it, which is very harsh on him. It is something we both have to get used to, but you have to live your life as well."

Bramble returned to the Newcastle starting line-up against Manchester City last weekend and helped keep a clean sheet.

The 24-year-old, tipped to become a future England international in the past by both Souness and Robson, had to miss the start of the season after having a groin operation in the summer and suffering a freak elbow injury in a challenge with team-mate Michael Chopra.

But he is keen to make up for lost time.

"My first game was Fulham and it was a bit early as I had not played a reserve match but I thought I did OK," said Bramble.

"I was better against Manchester City last Saturday but really it is all about getting games under your belt.

"We had a tough start playing Arsenal, Manchester United and Bolton in the first four games. We are starting to come together now and the boss has made some great signings. We are starting to gel together."

Newcastle's recent revival - they have taken seven points from a possible nine - has arrived on the back of the arrival of £16m striker Michael Owen.

Owen, ahead of today's long trip to Fratton Park, has scored two goals in his first three games for the club and has impressed everyone at the Newcastle training ground.

Bramble believes having the England forward on board is going to aid his own personal push for success in the Premiership.

"Playing with the likes of Michael Owen in training teaches you that one little mistake and the ball is in the back of the net," he said.

"On Saturday, against Man City, they made one little mistake and were punished for it by Michael.

"It is a fair criticism of my game in the past that my concentration has wavered but the more games you play the better you perform. It is a learning process and Michael will help me improve that."