Bruce backs Martins to shine

[Nobby 0]

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce believes Obafemi Martins can be "a big superstar" for Newcastle and emulate Jackie Milburn, Malcolm MacDonald and Alan Shearer in becoming the next number nine hero at St James' Park.

 

Geordie Bruce, whose side visit Newcastle for an FA Cup replay on Wednesday night, used to watch MacDonald at his peak as a youngster from the Gallowgate End.

 

And he feels former Inter Milan striker Martins has the ingredients to eventually be revered in the same way as Milburn in the 1950s, MacDonald in the 1970s and Shearer for the past decade after an impressive start on Tyneside.

 

Bruce said: "The number nine shirt at Newcastle has a huge history about it, the Milburns, MacDonalds, Shearers, etc, but Martins has all the ingredients to add to that and to make himself very popular with supporters.

 

"He shoots with both feet with equal power and I don't think I've ever seen a ball hit so hard as his wonderful strike against Tottenham at the weekend.

 

"He has got a bit of personality about him as well which people like. People don't realise how difficult it is to come into the Premier League just like English players in general don't do very well abroad.

 

"But I think he will be a big hit and all my mates who are Newcastle fans are right behind him at the moment. He has all the ingredients to be a big superstar up there."

 

Bruce can sympathise with Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder's current plight in terms of an injury-ravaged squad after going through the same nightmare last season when Blues were relegated from the Barclays Premiership.

 

He said: "You have to hold your hands up to Glenn Roeder and say 'well done.' I know what I was like last year with the misery of losing many of your best players.

 

"When you think of (Michael) Owen, (Damien) Duff, (Scott) Parker, Emre, (Stephen) Carr, and the list goes on and on. To be mid-table in the Premiership, still in the FA Cup and UEFA Cup, means they have done remarkably well.

 

"You take your hats off to them and say 'well done' but it is a big cup tie and an opportunity for us as well and we want to progress in the FA Cup.

 

"I shall be putting out our strongest possible side and I've always taken this competition seriously and treated it with the respect it deserves."

 

Bruno N'Gotty is recalled for the first time in three months after being axed with injuries and suspension ruling out defenders Stephen Kelly and Rahdi Jaidi respectively.

 

Nicklas Bendtner is sidelined with the ankle injury suffered via a divot in the pitch during the 2-2 draw with Newcastle at St Andrews but fellow strikers Cameron Jerome (Achilles) and DJ Campbell (neck) are both fit.

[The Fish 9269]

Reading between the lines I see

 

Help me Freddy man, I'm one of you! Save me from the championshp mire, I promise I'll do whatever you ask. See I'm even saying nice things about your players! haway Freddy man, I'm a geordie through and through...