Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce admits he's seeking Obafemi Martins to fill the breach left by Michael Owen after the England striker's latest injury.

Said Allardyce: "I hope Oba can come in and start scoring the goals that Michael hasn't been recently, to be perfectly honest. I've been very pleased with Oba in recent weeks and I'm looking for him to link up with Mark Viduka or Shola Ameobi. The injury to Michael gives other players a chance to get in. I hope they take up that challenge and produce the sort of performances we know they are capable of."