But the deal Allardyce has struck with Nigeria coach Berti Vogts means he will play just one more game – most likely the fixture away to Manchester United on January 12 – before linking up with his country ahead of the tournament in Ghana.

Top sport stories...
- Sunderland close in on signing.
- Blackburn boss' warning for Keane.
- Sunderland star is unhappy.
- Sunderland linked with Reading striker.
- Blackburn 1 Sunderland 0 - REPORT.
- Blackburn 1 Sunderland 0 - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS.
- Latest transfer rumours.

And that means Martins – substituted at half time in last night's 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City – is set to sit out Sunday's third-round FA Cup tie away to Stoke City.

Vogts had wanted all players to link up in Malaga this weekend for a pre-tournament training camp, the former Scotland boss threatening to invoke FIFA's 14-day rule against any clubs withholding their players.

But Allardyce's quiet diplomacy has worked, and Vogts has agreed to Martins joining up after the visit to Old Trafford.

Asked whether Martins had played his last game for Newcastle before the ANC, which kicks off on January 20, Allardyce admitted he had won a concession.

However, Allardyce expects to lose Abdoulaye Faye, Habib Beye and Geremi after Sunday's cup tie.

He told the Echo: "I've spoken to Berti Vogts, and maybe we'll get him for one game, the Sunday game (against Stoke), or possibly the Manchester United game.

"I think we might have Oba for the Man United game, but the rest, I think, are away after Sunday."

Seven-goal top scorer Martins, Faye, Beye and Geremi have been a mainstay of Allardyce's side, and their impending absence leaves him with a huge headache.

Beye coped will with Man City's flying winger Petrov last night, while versatile Faye continued in midfield.

Deposed captain Geremi, however, was not even on the bench for the second game in a row.

Allardyce said: "Petrov's a very dangerous player, and Habib Beye did a very good job on him. Abdoulaye did a good job as well.

"Oba, while struggling in front of goal, has always been in the chances bracket in the last three games. It's encouraging when they get there, but disappointing when they don't finish.

"They'll be gone, and Geremi as well.

"It's a big miss for us, but we knew that at the start of the season, and we've got to deal with it and move forward.

"We've got Michael (Owen) and Damien Duff, and hopefully Stephen Carr back."