Martins calls for Kinnear's stay to be extended

Two-goal hero Obafemi Martins revealed that he and the rest of the Newcastle players would like to see interim manager Joe Kinnear stay beyond the end of his current contract.

The Newcastle manager was initially employed an a short-term contract while the club searched for a new owner, but with no sale imminent Martins revealed that the players are more than happy to see Kinnear stay longer.

"We're happy that he's here," Martins said after his brace had seen off Aston Villa at St James's Park.

"I think the players don't have any problems with the gaffer and I hope that he stays."

The Nigerian also revealed that the hard-work the players are exerting on the training ground is paying off as the side have now earned back-to-back victories for the first time this season

"The manager tells us in training that if we put in more effort it will help us in the games as well, and it helped us a lot today," Martins said.

"We said to ourselves that we really needed to win this match and that we needed to give 120 per cent to win the game. I hope we continue like this."

Martins also revealed that he's pleased with his own form which has seen him score three times in their last two games.

"I think it's very important for strikers to be scoring goals and I'm very happy to score two goals tonight.

"I have to thank my teammates because we all really tried and we're happy today."