Big Sam challenge to Martins

Allardyce tells players to take advantage of Owen injury

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 21st November 2007

800 Obafemi Martins Spurs celeb

Martins: Allardyce challenge

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Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has challenged Obafemi Martins to take full advantage of the injury to Michael Owen.

Owen picked up the thigh injury in England's friendly against Austria last week and has been sent to Germany for treatment.

Allardyce is keen to see Martins score more goals and record their first league win this month against Liverpool on Saturday.

Martins has made an appearance in every league game so far this season but Allardyce wants the Nigerian to add to his four goals.

Chance

Allardyce told the Daily Star: "I hope Oba can come in and start scoring the goals that Michael hasn't been recently, to be perfectly honest.

"I've been very pleased with Oba in recent weeks and I'm looking for him to link up with Mark Viduka or Shola Ameobi.

"The injury to Michael gives other players a chance to get in.

"I hope they take up that challenge and produce the sort of performances we know they are capable of."