Sam Allardyce talked about the striker: "The bottom line is that he doesn't score as many goals as he should."
Shearer Shirt Keeps Toon Striker On His Toes!
Martins: "When I came here I was offered the No.9 shirt.
"I got it from Alan Shearer when he retired. He tells me to score lots of goals, and I cannot let him or the shirt he gave me down and I have to deserve my place.
"I don't feel like it is a competition between Michael Owen and me. The important thing is for me to play football.
"I really want to play. As a footballer you are remembered for playing football not picking up your wages or sitting on the bench.
"Michael is getting fit again which is good for the club. Together we can push each other.
"I left Inter Milan because I was on the bench too much and I came here to play. I will do my best to stay in the team.
"People don't understand that Michael Owen and I CAN play together.
"We have done it in training. I am not the manager but I reckon we can have a partnership even though we are both little and quick.
"The manager says I can score more and he is right. I get many opportunities and I have to put more away. I feel I have got more to offer, but it is not easy to score when you have big defenders chasing you down and doing everything to stop me."
"The fans really love me which is great. I have lots of Geordie friends but they told me to learn English first rather than Geordie words.
"I like the city and my family are settled here. My brothers and sisters are here and they've been living with me since last year. That helps."