Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder insists Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins has plenty of room for improvement despite his match-winning display against Watford.

Martins has now scored five times in four games after his double-strike earned Newcastle a hard-fought 2-1 win against Adrian Boothroyd's side on Saturday.

The former Inter Milan forward, a ten million pounds pre-season signing, gave Newcastle a 49th minute lead. Hameur Bouazza replied for Watford in the 57th minute, but Martins had the final word - to the delight of his manager Roeder.

"He was an expensive purchase so it is very pleasing to see him scoring goals in the last few games," said Roeder.

"Today we saw the Obafemi Martins I've been telling people about for a long time. He produced two magnificent finishes and there is more to come from him.

"Week by week, month by month, he is getting better. He has the right attitude which means he will continue to improve."

One man who missed Newcastle's latest win was Albert Luque, the Spanish international who has struggled to establish himself at the club.

Luque was in an angry mood as he left the ground after being told he wasn't even among the substitutes.

Questioned about Luque's mood, Roeder said: "I've no idea whatsoever. He was in the squad but wasn't selected as a sub. I have nothing more to say."

Watford, meanwhile, are still searching for their first away win of the season, but there was much to encourage Boothroyd.

They looked poised to earn a deserved point after Bouazza's equaliser. It was their first goal in more than six hours of league football and there could have been more as they produced one of their best performances of the season.

Darius Henderson, who was close to a goal on three occasions in the first-half, forced two saves from Newcastle keeper Shay Given after Bouazza's goal. And Watford looked the likelier winners before Martins reminded them how difficult life can be in the top flight.

(China Daily December 18, 2006)