Shearer says that Martins' unpredictability is a strength

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer is hoping Obafemi Martins' unpredictability will be an asset during the closing weeks of a difficult season.

As the club battle against relegation under Shearer, much of the focus has been on his one-time teammate for club and country, Michael Owen.

However, he knows that Nigeria international Martins could play an equally significant role.

"He is a very different player to what Michael brings," said Shearer.

"But what the opposition fear with Oba is they are not sure what he is going to do because at times, he probably doesn't know himself.

"You can take that as a negative or a positive, but he is a threat.

"He is good in the air, he can score great goals and we are going to need that every bit as much from him as we are Michael, as we are Shola [Ameobi], as we are Andy Carroll.

"We are going to need all those players firing on all cylinders."

Newcastle's lack of goals has been a major problem, and Shearer has little time to preserve the club's Premier League status, having taken over on 1 April.

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