Obafemi Martins has jumped to the defence of underfire Newcastle United captain Geremi.

Martins told the Evening Chronicle: "Geremi has done the captain's job for Cameroon and did well, so he was a good choice to do the same at Newcastle.

"There is a good spirit in the side here at Newcastle and there is no doubt the African players help with that. We know each other from playing for our national teams.

"Almost all of the African players we have already played in England, so they know what it is all about in the Premier League."