NEW signing Jean-Alain Boumsong believes his partnership with Titus Bramble will provide a platform for future Newcastle successes - if they are given enough time to gel.

It was the second successive game Graeme Souness chose to use the pair as his first choice centre backs - last Sunday's 2-0 FA Cup victory over non-league Yeading being the other - as he searched for the right formula to fix his defensive frailties.

The pair looked anything but the answer to a dream partnership on Saturday's evidence, but it is early days after all.

"I have just arrived so I have to get used to my partners," said the 25-year-old centre half.

"But my first aim is to settle in well. I have had my first two games with Titus and I think we can only get better by playing a lot more together."

Boumsong was relieved to mark his home debut with a win after coming through a difficult debut against Harry Redknapp's struggling Saints.

The victory meant United leapt two places to 12th in the Premiership, something the Frenchman believes is a false position given the talent his new side has at its disposal.

"It was a very important win in the Premiership, and especially for me, as it was my first game at home," said the French international.

"Even if you have the top players in the world in your team you still have to work. And if we work every day we will have something great at the end of the season.

"Newcastle is a very big club and I think this club deserves to be on top of the table but we didn't start the season very well.

"We will try and pick up some good results and be in the top half of the table.

"It is a very good club and it was very important for me to be at a team like this as it will help me to settle in."

The former Auxerre defender admitted he was well aware of Newcastle before he joined in an £8m deal from Rangers and said they are well known throughout his native France as one of the biggest clubs in this country and in Europe.

He believes it is this potential which could build something special in the future. "In France, Newcastle are considered to be one of the top five teams," said Boumsong.

"You have Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, and Newcastle are considered one of the biggest teams in Premiership, and it is true.

"This city lives and breathes football and that's what makes this a very good club.

"Over the last four or five years Newcastle have finished in the top five of the Premiership. Newcastle are one of the biggest clubs across Europe. They have a very big stadium and the crowd and the players are very good.

"There is a lot of quality in the squad. We have a very good team and we have good potential. We can build something here because we have the support of our public."

Boumsong admitted he too was familiar with Newcastle's recent history and the fact they have gone 36 years without winning a major trophy before he arrived at the club - a spell he hopes to help end soon. He added: "All I can say is that I will try to give my best to this club because they have placed a lot of trust in me and I hope we will do something in the next few years."

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