Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins is ready to hand Joe Kinnear a boost by declaring himself available for the massive derby clash with Sunderland.

The Sunday Sun says the Nigerian striker had been ruled out until mid-November with a knee injury picked up in the Carling Cup defeat against Tottenham.

But Martins now aims to be involved - if only from off the bench - against Sunderland on October 25 after returning to light training a fortnight ahead of schedule.

Martins has been jogging and kicking a ball at Newcastle's training ground in recent days, much to the delight of Joe Kinnear.