Keegan hopes for Martins spark

Martins: Goal threat

Kevin Keegan is confident that Obafemi Martins can reignite Newcastle's disappointing season.

The Nigerian striker had netted seven goals for the Magpies this season before going to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations and Keegan is hoping that he will continue that form now that he is back on Tyneside.

Since replacing Sam Allardyce as manager in January, Keegan has seen his side score just two goals in five games and is desperate for someone to add some much needed firepower to his faltering forward line.

Martins is currently suffering with a slight ankle knock picked up while on international duty, but is expected to resume full training by the end of the week and should be available for selection in the Magpies' next game against Manchester United on 23rd February.

Pace

"Oba will be fine, he just turned his ankle before he came back and he's had to have a couple of days rest," Keegan told the club's official website.

"We're confident he will be training with the rest of the group by the end of the week.

"I'm looking forward to him joining us because I've seen quite a lot of him previously and I know what he can do. It's just a case of having a close look at him on our training pitch now.

"He's got great pace and he's still our top goalscorer, even though he has been at the Africa Cup of Nations for the best part of the month."

Boost

Keegan is also set to welcome Geremi back from the recent African tournament in the next few days and admits that it will be nice to see his squad numbers receive a welcome boost.

"We'll also have Geremi back this week after his efforts with Cameroon and he will be in training by the end of the week," he said.

"It's more the merrier as far as I'm concerned."