“Let’s wait and see how this week goes, see whether he is in a lot of discomfort or not. We will make it clear to him what we’d like him to do because we are not in the position to lose anyone and he brings something different to the side with his pace.”

Although Shearer would almost certainly have played on with the problem, and is obviously frustrated about the situation, he also knows he cannot afford to fall out with any of his players at such a crucial stage of the season.

Newcastle will travel to Tottenham at the weekend knowing that fourth-from-bottom Sunderland could be five points clear by the time they kick off as their local rivals play Hull City on Saturday and that Middlesbrough, who entertain Fulham on the same day, might be two points above them.

With that in mind, Martins will be given plenty of support and encouragement over the next few days rather than a kick up the backside.

Shearer added: “He knew I was disappointed with the timing of things (last weekend), but as an on going problem, no.

“I spoke to him again at the start of the week. It’s all forgotten about. There are no problems.

“We can’t afford to have any problems like that. We have to keep everyone on side and see where we get.

“We have not ruled him out of the Tottenham game. It is looking increasingly unlikely he will be available for Sunday, but we are not giving up hope on him yet.”

And there was some much better news for Shearer on the injury front as Mark Viduka, who has started just one game this season, will be fit enough to travel to London.

The Australian international has struggled with an Achilles problem for over a year now, but his manager still feels he can have a role to play in the next six games.

He said: “Mark has trained well. Obviously he’s got a huge amount of talent and we believe, if we can keep him fit, he will play a big part and help us stay up.”

:: TOTTENHAM midfielder Jermaine Jenas is a major doubt to face his former club Newcastle on Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury last week.

Jenas picked up the problem in the Premier League win over West Ham, although Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has Honduran holding midfielder Wilson Palacios back from suspension to face the Magpies side.