Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has defended the club's medical staff.

Obafemi Martins' name was linked with some highly critical comments by Dapo Kujore, a member of his personal management team, aimed at the United medical team yesterday, but the Nigerian distanced himself from the statement.

And Harper told the Evening Chronicle: "Our medical staff at Newcastle United are second to none.

"And if they are sending Oba out to Germany to see Dr Muschaweck it's because she is the best at what she does in the world.

"She's seen a lot of Newcastle's lads before and I have also been to see her for a similar problem. And it's safe to say we all benefited from her treatment.

"Hopefully, now Oba is going over there, it's a good thing.

"It won't be long before he is back on the pitch and scoring goals for Newcastle."