Roeder backs Martins to find scoring touch

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has promised there will be more goals to come from £10m (€14.8m) striker Obafemi Martins as he finds his feet in the Barclays Premiership.

The 21-year-old Nigerian international was used only as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United last time out after finally opening his account at St James’ Park.

Martins struck for the first time in Magpies colours in the 2-0 league win at West Ham on September 17, but a double in the 2-1 UEFA Cup victory over Levadia Tallinn 11 days later provided the Toon Army with a graphic illustration of his finishing power.

Now as Roeder prepares for Sunday’s visit of Bolton to Tyneside, he is hoping for more of the same from his big-money summer buy.

He said: “He has come into our group – we did not know him before as a person and everyone has taken to him.

“He is a great guy to be around and because of that personality, he was starting to get a little bit disappointed with himself that he had not scored from a few chances that had come his way.

“But he has had great support from all the other players and from the coaching staff. We kept telling him: ‘It is only a matter of time, Oba, before the goals come’.

“Now he is up and running, he has broken his duck by scoring at St James’ Park, and I am sure there will be many more to come.”

Goals have been in short supply for Newcastle so far this season.

They have scored more than one goal only twice in their seven league games to date, and with only one clean sheet that has proved costly in terms of results.

Alan Shearer’s retirement and Michael Owen’s knee injury have taken their toll, but Roeder is confident on-loan Manchester United frontman Giuseppe Rossi can help to share the burden with Martins, Shola Ameobi and Antoine Sibierski.

He said: “Giuseppe is such a good footballer. He is intelligent and knows what is going on around him. Oba can make those clever runs and use his speed and Giuseppe will be able to slide him in.

“Although physically they would not be a big partnership, there is the potential for the two of them to play together in certain circumstances.”

Nolberto Solano could return after two months out with a hamstring problem, while full-back Stephen Carr could also be fit after a similar injury prevented him from joining up with the Republic of Ireland squad.

Kieron Dyer is unlikely to be risked following six months on the sidelines despite playing in two practice matches during the international break.

Titus Bramble is available after serving a one-match ban for his sending off against Everton, but Celestine Babayaro sits out the second leg of his three-game suspension.