Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder insists Nigerian striker Obafemi
Martins has plenty of room for improvement despite his
match-winning display against Watford.
Martins has now scored five times in four games after his
double-strike earned Newcastle a hard-fought 2-1 win against Adrian
Boothroyd's side on Saturday.
The former Inter Milan forward, a ten million pounds pre-season
signing, gave Newcastle a 49th minute lead. Hameur Bouazza replied
for Watford in the 57th minute, but Martins had the final word - to
the delight of his manager Roeder.
"He was an expensive purchase so it is very pleasing to see him
scoring goals in the last few games," said Roeder.
"Today we saw the Obafemi Martins I've been telling people about
for a long time. He produced two magnificent finishes and there is
more to come from him.
"Week by week, month by month, he is getting better. He has the
right attitude which means he will continue to improve."
One man who missed Newcastle's latest win was Albert Luque, the
Spanish international who has struggled to establish himself at the
club.
Luque was in an angry mood as he left the ground after being
told he wasn't even among the substitutes.
Questioned about Luque's mood, Roeder said: "I've no idea
whatsoever. He was in the squad but wasn't selected as a sub. I
have nothing more to say."
Watford, meanwhile, are still searching for their first away win
of the season, but there was much to encourage Boothroyd.
They looked poised to earn a deserved point after Bouazza's
equaliser. It was their first goal in more than six hours of league
football and there could have been more as they produced one of
their best performances of the season.
Darius Henderson, who was close to a goal on three occasions in
the first-half, forced two saves from Newcastle keeper Shay Given
after Bouazza's goal. And Watford looked the likelier winners
before Martins reminded them how difficult life can be in the top
flight.
(China Daily December 18, 2006)