Oba and Owen to be paired

Newcastle's strike force next season will see Obafemi Martins paired with Michael Owen, at least according to beleaguered boss Glenn Roeder.

As a disappointing Premiership campaign draws to a close, Newcastle find themselves once more having to content themselves with midtable mediocrity at St James' Park.

While the Toon faithful are growing restless with what they consider another season of underachievement, Roeder believes that when he is able to twin Owen with Martins, things will improve dramatically.

Sceptics have suggested that with both players having been linked with moves away from Newcastle in recent weeks, such a partnership may never be seen, but Roeder is adamant that the talented duo will be in black and white next season.

"I'm 100 per cent certain that Oba will be here next season," Roeder told the Sunday Sun.

"Talk of him leaving in the summer is just mischief-making.

"We have Oba for another four seasons - his future is at Newcastle. I know he wants to be here because he's told me that's the case. I'm going to put a better squad together in the summer and Oba not being here wouldn't help that.

"I wouldn't be worried about them playing together at all. Just because both Oba and Michael are short wouldn't bother me. The way Oba leaps for the ball means he doesn't play like a short player anyway.

"They could share the attacking roles with one further forward and one coming off the shoulder.

"I think it all comes down to the quality of the player, and if the players are good enough then they'll form a partnership."