Obafemi Martins has said that he hopes that Newcastle's new boss has more faith in him than the old one did.

The Nigerian striker is currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations and is yet to meet Kevin Keegan, but he is still sure that life at the club will be better for him once he returns.

Despite being the Magpies' top scorer and constantly looking more of a threat than Mark Viduka or Michael Owen, former Toon boss Sam Allardyce handed Martins just 16 starts during his time in charge and substituted him on 11 of those occasions.

As a result, the former Internazionale forward has admitted that he was glad to see the back of Allardyce and is instead looking forward to beginning life under Keegan.

"I cannot say I have good memories of Allardyce's time," Martin's said in the News of the World.

"I definitely think he should have played me more.

"Will it be good to have a fresh start? If something is not right you must change it.

"I don't know why he never picked me but he never said anything to me.

"I believe Kevin Keegan can help my game."

Sporting Life / Eurosport