Newcastle United Football Club

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Martins poised to return

14 Nov 2006 - 14:30:07

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Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins is in contention for a return to action against Arsenal next weekend, having shaken off a hamstring problem.

The 22-year-old has not featured since October 25, but is in contention to face the Gunners, as United seek to move away from the relegation places.

Boss Glenn Roeder told the Evening Chronicle: "Oba is back training with us and he will build things up gradually throughout the week.

"By Thursday we are hoping that he is in full swing and we will then take things from there.

"Make no mistake about it, Oba wants to play for us and wants to be out there at the Emirates Stadium.

"I have seen enough of Oba in training and in some parts of our games to have complete faith in him.

"However, he has to come to terms with the fact he will now be a regular in our starting line-up, which is different to his time at Inter Milan, where they had so many other strikers."

Martins joined Newcastle for £10million from Internazionale towards the end of August and has netted three goals in 12 appearances for the Magpies.