Martins Worthy Of The No 9 Shirt?

While greats like Jackie Milburn, Len White, Wyn Davies and Malcolm Macdonald also have their names engraved in Geordie folklore after their glut of United goals.

But each and everyone had a side-kick who helped them make legend status, and sadly Martins doesn't have that luxury this season.

Milburn/George Robeledo; White/Allchurch; Davies/Robson; Macdonald/Tudor; Cole/Beardsley; Ferdinand/Asprilla; Shearer/Bellamy.

Does Martins/Ameobi have a ring to it?

We have said for two seasons that they struggle to make a partnership, are too much alike, and neither can pass a ball with a high percentage of accuracy.

They are the Supermac type of player, "set me away and I'll do the rest", which means a partner who does the graft and has an eye for the cutting pass. And that rules out Shola.

But Joe Kinnear has had no options due to injuries to Alan Smith, Mark Viduka and Michael Owen.

Les Ferdinand: "I think Oba has been unfortunate with his knee injury this season, but it's great to see him back scoring.

"On most occasions he's proved to be a good goalscorer and a good player.

"I think the fans have taken to him in his two years here.

"When he arrived at the beginning he struggled wearing the No 9 shirt. But whoever took that shirt off Alan Shearer was going to struggle.

"Now he's Oba Martins wearing the No 9 shirt, he doesn't have to try to be Alan Shearer.

"I'm sure the supporters are loving what they are seeing at the moment.

"The No 9 shirt is an exclusive club and he is welcome into it. He is putting in some performances that are worthy of the shirt.

"I had the honour of wearing it in my first season. Kevin Keegan asked me if I would give it up for Alan Shearer when he signed because he had worn it all of his career.

"I said 'But so have, I boss' but in the end I knew that the Geordie people would have wanted him to have it, so I agreed.

"Now Martins has it, and he's scored goals that are worthy of the shirt - long may it continue."

The story Les tells about handing the shirt over to Shearer was not quite true.

The club was on a pre-season tour of the Far East when Shearer signed, and Keegan told Sir Les prior to a match that it would be the last time he would wear the No 9.

Ferdinand handed it to KK and told him to push it up his arse!