Source: Daily_Mail
Crying game: Martins cannot watch football on TV as it makes him sad
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins cannot even watch football on television because it makes him sad.
The 24-year-old Nigeria international used to follow the fortunes of the Magpies' Barclays Premier League rivals from his armchair.
However, the Tyneside club's current plight, which sees them head for Liverpool tomorrow deep in relegation trouble, has caused him to pull the plug.
Martins said: 'I used to enjoy seeing how other teams got on, but I just want to focus on Newcastle United right now.
'Only our results count at the moment. If we are doing well, it is fun to spend time watching other teams. I look at everything.
'But at the moment, we don't need to. If I tried doing it now, it would just make me sad. It doesn't help me.'
Newcastle started the weekend three points adrift of safety inside the relegation zone and hoping that situation did not worsen after today's fixtures.
The Nigerian striker will be hoping to get on the scoresheet on the tough trip to Anfield on Sunday
They still believe they can rescue themselves despite failing to beat Portsmouth at St James' Park on Monday evening, although they are likely to have to beat Middlesbrough and Fulham at home and possibly get at least a point from their trips to Anfield or, on the final day of the season, Aston Villa, to do so.
Alan Shearer's side might have given themselves a lifeline if Martins, Michael Owen or Mark Viduka had taken the one chance each that came their way against Pompey.
However, amid speculation Owen could be the man to make way tomorrow with Shearer extremely unlikely to field all three strikers in his starting line-up, Martins is convinced he can get himself back among the goals if he is given the chance.
He said: 'You just try to get on with your job, and all I am thinking about is scoring against Liverpool.
'I hope to score against Liverpool. I did against Arsenal and Manchester United this season. I also scored against Liverpool two seasons ago at St James' Park.
'We have had difficulties lately, but if we go there positive, there is a chance. We are going there to get three points.
'They are playing very well at the moment and they are in good shape, but we just have to go there and do our best. Losing is not an option for us.'
The Magpies endured a nightmare at the hands of the Reds at St James' back in December when Steven Gerrard inspired the visitors to a 5-1 rampage to finally persuade keeper Shay Given his career on Tyneside had to come to an end.
Newcastle have a poor recent record at Anfield - they have won only once there in the Premier League - and Shearer, who won the title there with Blackburn in 1995 despite losing 2-1 on the day, admits keeping his home-town club in the top flight would be an even bigger achievement.
He said: 'I think it would be - without a doubt. It would be the biggest and best thing that's ever happened.
'It will be the most difficult game we have faced in my time here. But is it impossible? No.
'Not many people will give us a chance going there, but we have got to go there and believe, and all I'm asking from the players is to give me everything they've got. If they do that, I can't ask for any more.
'Yes, we will need a little bit of luck at some stage, and yes, we will be under the cosh at some stage.
'But can we ride our luck, work hard and come away with something? I hope so.'
