Caretaker Manager Chris Hughton welcomed Obafemi Martins back to training this week after having a Hernia Operation which kept him sidelined for 2 months. The Nigerian striker is set to make his comeback against Everton next weekend after two failed attempts which have lead to a setback in his recovery.
Hughton said;
"It's a big boost to see him back training and in contention again. He's a quality player in a really important position as well.
When you look at the quality he's got and the threat that he poses to teams, it's a big plus for us.
It's not just Oba. It's important that the first team group can look around on the training field and see other quality players around them.
Of course, with people like Cacapa and Alan Smith now back in the fray and having completed reserve team games, and people like Mark Viduka back, it boosts everybody.
Whether they are fully fit or not, it's important to have them around. It adds to competition and lifts spirits."
Both Alan Smith and Claudio Cacapa featured in last week's 5 - 0 win over Wigan for the reserve team with Cacapa scoring the opening goal.
Martins Back For Everton Game
Posted by: TyneTalk (IP Logged)
Date: 14/02/2009 16:29
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Smith does give a lot but so would I for £60 grand a week. Smith would give little different up front and im sure Lescott and Jag (however the @#$%& you spell it) would have him in their pocket.
Think we have really missed Martins as he offers something completely different. Fair enough he doesnt know what he is going to do himself but he scares the @#$%& out of defenders. He will never be an orthodox striker as long as I have a hole in my a$£e but since he has been injured we have looked clueless going forward.
Oh, Smith is completely useless and I want him out of the squad: as a forward can't score, as a midfielder can't pass and goes in for reckless challenges that earn him a stream of yellows wherever he plays.
But for right now, any live body helps. It's gotten that bad.
Smith has not had a run of form for years so i just think he will score some goals if fit and playing up front but still think he should be sold in the summer
Mighty: if Ranger is the alternative then by all means, YES! But I don't think the current setup of coaches-as-managers will have the cojones to actually start any of the kids. I'm just hoping they get runs out at some point.
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