Martins returns to England
Nigeria
striker Obafemi Martins has returned to the United Kingdom after
securing a visa and now looks set to make his debut for Birmingham City.
The Nigerian
international joined Birmingham on loan from Russian Premier League
giants Rubin Kazan on January 31 – the last day of the English Premier
League’s winter transfer window – but visa problems prevented him from
making his debut for the Blues in last weekend’s win at West Ham.
Martins was in
Nigeria on the day Birmingham secured the 1-0 win over the Hammers in
his bid to secure a visa back to the UK from the British High
Commission.
He has now returned
to England and is expected to make his debut for the Blues when they
take on Stoke City this weekend at Saint Andrew’s.
A statement on the club’s website says Martins, 26, has received clearance to play against Stoke City on Saturday.
Fans’ favourite
Birmingham City
manager Alex McLeish feels fans of the Blues will quickly warm to the
new signing who has also played for the likes of Italy’s Inter Milan
and Germany’s Wolfsburg, not forgetting English side Newcastle United
where the Nigerian scored 28 goals in 88 Premier League appearances
between 2006 and 2009.
“He’s an explosive type of player and is similar to Christian Benitez but with more experience,” said McLeish.
“He has great pace,
is two-footed, very good in the air and I’m sure he’s a signing that
will excite the fans.” McLeish also admitted that he expects Martins to
hit the ground running and add extra to a side that has scored just 24
league goals, the worst in the Premier League with midfielder Craig
Gardner leading the club’s charts with seven.
“We’re looking for Oba to come in and make an impact right away,” added McLeish.
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