Martins Ban Not What We Thought

Last updated : 08 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Glenn Roeder today revealed the player travelled to Lagos to bring his ill mother back to Tyneside.

Roeder: "Oba was back in training today after making a lightning-quick return to Nigeria to attend to his mother, who has been poorly."

Nigeria, to their credit, put no blame on Newcastle for the player's none appearance ... even though it was unclear where he was at that time.

However, whether this news placates Eguavoen remains to be seen. Although we understood at the time that Martins would face an international ban, something that could be seen as a benefit to both Roeder and the club, BUT we believe noe he could face a domestic ban if they decide he has breached the rules.

Roeder: "Our injury worries started at the World Cup with Michael Owen getting hurt, and have continued from then. He was injured playing in an international, and not while playing for Newcastle, so obviously I get concerned about international matches. All managers do."