NEDUM Onuoha has praised Titus Bramble’s performances since his summer move from Wigan, claiming the previously-maligned defender has been Sunderland’s “best player” in the opening nine matches of the season.

Having marked Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic out of the game last Monday, Bramble dealt with the physical threat of Emile Heskey at the weekend as the Black Cats secured their third clean sheet in succession.

The 29-year-old was renowned for his repeated lapses of concentration during his five-year spell at Newcastle United, but has hardly put a foot wrong since making a £1m move to the Stadium of Light.

With England’s central-defensive options restricted because of injury, he is in contention for a maiden call-up ahead of next month’s friendly with France, and Onuoha feels his performances have been integral to Sunderland’s strong start to the campaign.

“I have never played with Titus before,” said Onuoha, who has solved the long-term right-back problem at a stroke since joining on loan from Manchester City. “He has grown into the position quickly and has probably been our best player.

“He is one of the main reasons why we have kept clean sheets and conceded so few goals. I am really happy to be playing alongside him because he is so consistent. He is great to play alongside.”

The Black Cats are seventh in the Premier League table, but despite having already faced the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, Onuoha feels it is far too early to be taking anything for granted.

“It sounds good, but it’s still very early in the season,”

he said. “We’re not even a quarter of the way through, so we’re not celebrating about anything.

“We’ve done okay and having only lost once is pretty good. But the fact we’ve had a fairly successful start means the expectation will grow, and we have to be able to handle that pressure.”

Onuoha will get his first taste of a North-East derby when Sunderland travel to St James’ Park on Sunday, and having sampled the atmosphere of a meeting of the two Manchester clubs, the fullback cannot wait to experience this region’s rivalry.

“I’ve heard there’s a bit of an important game coming up, so like everyone I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

“The Manchester derby is a fantastic occasion. I have a decent record in Manchester derbies and they’re very special games. Hopefully, that record will continue.”