... in an effort for him to offer the Spanish international as bait for bigger fish.
The Spanish international has actually scored on his last three appearances at home against Celtic, Lillestrom and PSV Eindhoven but he still has a long way to go to persuade Roeder he is the man worthy of filling Alan Shearer's boots.
Roeder: "I was most encouraged at the way Albert played on Saturday when he came on as a substitute against PSV. He certainly wanted to take that penalty, grabbing the ball as soon as the referee blew his whistle.
"Most of the first-team squad have been given a few days off this week, but after his back injury Albert wasn't one of them. He will have had a good week's training under his belt by the time Villarreal come here on Saturday and, quite naturally, he will want do well against Spanish opposition."
And how Roeder would love a super show to send him on his way. The player admits he has not settled on Tyneside, but the club want a good return on the massive fee paid for him. Spanish eyes will be watching on Saturday.