Martins: no Keegan issues

Obafemi Martins has ruled out a rift with his boss Kevin Keegan today in the Evening Chronicle, insisting his bad temper after being substituted against Birmingham in the Premiership on Monday was purely because he wants to help the Toon battle for Premiership safety.

"There are no problems. We have quality players and if we continue that sort of play, we will do even better," he told the Evening Chronicle.

"All I am trying to do is help get this club away from the relegation zone. The fans or the club don't need that so that is all I am concerned about." Meanwhile, Martins claims he is happy with the attacking philosophy Keegan has adopted on his return to St James' Park.

"The coach plays an attacking game and that suits my game a lot," he added.

"I am satisfied with that and by the way we played going forward as a team."