The Nigerian's critics point to a lacklustre end to the season that also started quietly and the fact that six of his goals came against UEFA Cup opposition that was hardly Premiership standard.

However, it is a harsh assessment of the 22-year-old when judged against the circumstances surrounding a debut season that was hardly what he anticipated when moving from Inter Milan for 10 million pounds.

While Martins was aware that Michael Owen would be out for most of the season, he hardly anticipated having to form makeshift partnerships with Antoine Sibierski, a half-fit Shola Ameobi and even Albert Luque on occasions. And, if Martins's form did dip significantly in the wake of Newcastle's UEFA Cup exit against AZ Alkmaar, he was not alone.

In the circumstances, 17 goals was a decent return for a striker in a struggling team which lacked confidence and creativity for long periods last season.

The undoubted pace, strength and aerial ability of Martins still persuaded the majority of Newcastle supporters to overlook a first touch that was frustratingly uncertain.

Their confidence in Martins was given substance by the interest of Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger was alerted to the 13 million pounds buy-out clause in the player's contract.

Wenger eventually decided not to move for Martins, who will now be an unpredictable but important presence in the Newcastle team being constructed by Sam Allardyce.

The new manager is an admirer of a player who is never far from controversy.

He was accused of walking out on Newcastle after being left out of the side at the end of the season and has been involved in regular disputes with the Nigerian FA.

And this summer brought reports - questioned by police - that his car was hit by gunfire while he was in Nigeria.

Whatever the truth, the incident has not affected him. Martins's form in the pre-season matches has been impressive - and timely in view of the fact that he faces genuine competition for his place this season.

Owen and Ameobi are fit again and Luque is showing signs of the form, but new signing Mark Viduka is the man who poses the main threat to Martins.

The Nigerian was accustomed to being on the fringes at Inter, who often used him as an explosive substitute in the later stages of games.

He would not be content with a similar role at St James' Park, although former Newcastle favourite and England international Alan Shearer is among those who favour Viduka ahead of him.

But Martins's public response suggests a more mature approach from a player who has never been far from controversy.

"I believe you need competition," he said.

"We have many games to play, so everybody will have to play together."

Allardyce has often employed a 4-3-3 formation, but whether Viduka, Owen and Martin could play together as the front three is yet to be assessed.

If Allardyce can find a way to make them gel, it will be a formidable combination guaranteed to produce goals. Then, perhaps, the No.9 shirt will appear a perfect fit for Martins.