Martins vows to prove a hit

Obafemi Martins believes his searing pace will prove a major hit at Newcastle.

Newcastle-bound striker Obafemi Martins believes his searing pace will prove a major hit in The Premiership.

The Magpies are confident of closing a £10 million deal for the Internazionale striker, with Martins set to fly to England on Thursday in order to undergo a medical.

Glenn Roeder was quick to make the player his number one transfer target after learning of his possible availability, and Martins claims he will justify the boss's faith.

"It is going to be fantastic to play in The Premiership. I believe it is a league ideally suited to my own game," Martins told the Daily Mirror.

"I think I can play my best football in England because it is played at such a fast pace. I can't wait."

Roeder also revealed he will offer Martins the number nine shirt on Tyneside, having been convinced he is capable of filling the shirt vacated by Tyneside legend Alan Shearer.

"I know how important it is for the fans to have a number nine, but what is more important is to have a number nine who fills the shirt and can do the job," said Roeder.

"I was a player at the club and you look down over the years and there have been plenty of number nines who could not do the job. It's not the number that scores the goals.

"If he wants the shirt, I would be more than happy to let him take it if that is what he wants. I am sure he is a big enough man to carry it.

"If he has got a preference for another shirt that is available, he can have that one as well.

"But it's not the football boots, it's the person wearing them - it's not the shirt, it's the person that is wearing the shirt. That is what counts."

Emre is well aware of Martins's qualities after he shared a dressing room with the player for three years at Giuseppe Meazza, with the diminutive playmaker also highlighting the player's renowned pace.

"I played with him for three years at Inter Milan. He's a nice boy and a really quick player and a very good player," said Emre.

"In the English Premier League, you need quick players. If he signs for us, I think he will be a good signing.

"For him and for us, it would be a big signing."

Martins is expected to be unveiled prior to Newcastle's Uefa Cup qualifier against FK Ventspils on Thursday.