Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Martins eyes Magpies goals

02 Mar 2009 - 15:45:58

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Obafemi Martins has vowed to score the goals to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Nigeria striker started his first game in three months in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers but failed to find the back of the net.

But with strike partner Michael Owen currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Martins is aware that the burden of scoring the goals to help avoid relegation has fallen on his shoulders.

He told the club's official website: "It's been a long, long time, but I think I'm over my injury now.

"I'm happy I'm back with the team and I hope to score a lot of goals before the end of the season.

"But the Bolton game was disappointing. I tried as hard as I possibly could to score, but it's a little bit difficult when you come back.

"I had a chance, but I missed it. I just have to continue to play my football.

"For me, we didn't play well at all. It's not good at all because we have to put maximum effort into our football."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Steve Harper has urged his team-mates to bounce back at the first opportunity when they host league leaders Manchester United on Wednesday.

"You just want to get back out there quickly after a defeat. It is a massive game and we have to put this disappointment behind us," he said.

"We should have the best part of a full house and the supporters will be looking for us to give 100 per cent commitment.

"It is important all the lads are on their game because they will have to be.

"We have to go out there all guns blazing and take on the champions."