If Nigeria crash out of the tournament in the early stages, it will be a massive boost to Kevin Keegan to see a major player return to Premiership action.Life under Sam Allardyce was not without its frustrations for the former Inter Milan striker, who was regularly played out of position on the wings.
But he was surprised Big Sam was sacked.
Martins: "The Allardyce sacking surprised me because I did not think that we were in a critical situation, but the decision was influenced by a string of bad results.
"And when that happens, it is the manager who pays for it with his job.
"Keegan is a symbol in Newcastle.
"I do not know him as a coach, although people in Newcastle have always spoken very highly of him.
"He knows the Premier League well, so I think he is the right man for the job.
"I have heard about the option of (Alan) Shearer returning, but the players do not have a say on this. It is up to the board - I just want what is best for the club.
"I believe Newcastle have the players to fight for a place in the Uefa Cup and not worry about relegation."