Date of Birth: 29 08 1978
Place of Birth: Kaduna,Nigeria
Position: Defender
Nationality: Nigeria
Celestine Babayaro Rumours and Transfers
31 07 2007
Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed reports that he is ready to ditch Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins in order to raise funds for future signings.
Martins, who scored 17 times in his 1st season at St James' Park, was mentioned to be a probable sacrifice as Allardyce is looking to inject new blood into his squad.
However, Allardyce informed Newcastle's official website, 'The story is complete and utter fabrication. There is nothing in it whatsoever.'
Allardyce has already intimated his frustration at his relative lack of success in the transfer market in the summer and a series of injury setbacks have also hampered the Magpies' preparations for the new season.
Now Nigerian full back Celestine Babayaro and midfielder Emre are set to miss the Premier League opener at Bolton with groin and ankle problems respectively.
Allardyce informed the Newcastle Chronicle, 'I think they might be fit, however I would not think they will be physically and mentally ready for the start of the Premier League.'
The Magpies manager said a new approach could be required to solve Babayaro's problem, which severely curtailed his 1st team appearances last season.
He added, 'It might be something in his make up as to how the muscle reacts to fatigue. If we can cure that we might cure his problems. I do not think he's ever had someone look at it like that before.'
04 07 2007
Nigeria's Celestine Babayaro was challenged to prove himself worthy of a 1st team place at Newcastle United.
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce sent out the warning after unveiling Cameroon defender Geremi, as his latest defensive signing.
"Babayaro did not figure that much last year, however I would like to help him compete more," Allardyce said.
"We can help him become fitter, stronger and better so he can take part more in the last year of his contract."
The Newcastle manager signed Cameroon international Geremi on a free transfer from Chelsea and Czech Republic international centre back David Rozehnal from Paris St Germain in a bid to rebuild his defence.
However, Allardyce maintains there would still be room for the Nigerian left back Babayaro, whose days at St James' Park had appeared to be numbered.
Allardyce said, "We will continue to move forward in the defensive areas. We have got few defenders at the club because I let go one or 2 who were out of contract. That has left a big hole in that area and we have got to fill it with the best quality players we can find. The left back spot will be one of those positions we will fill, however obviously, Babayaro is still with us and has a chance."
