After several months out with a shin injury, Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins has said he is fit to play again.

Even though the striker has two years left on his contract with Rubin Kazan in Russia he expressed hopes of one day returning to Italy where Palermo have been rumoured to be keen on his services.

“I would very much want to return to Italy so as to revive my career, but I still got a contract with Kazan and so I’m heading back there now,” Martins told MTNFootball.

The diminutive striker scored the winning goal for Birmingham in their League Cup final victory over Arsenal last season but he has been overlooked by coach Samson Siasia for Nigeria’s friendly in August against Ghana.

“I’m okay by that decision as I’m just back from injury. What I want to do now is to settle down at my club and thereafter target a return to the[Super] Eagles.

“I miss not being part of the team, but throughout the time I was injured Siasia, who is like a big brother to me, was in touch. I believe once I’m back scoring goals for my club, I will be recalled to the national team.

However, Martins will face a tough time trying to make it back into the national squad where a host of in-form strikers like Peter Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe, Ike Uche, Brown Ideye and Obinna Nsofor are all in the queue for starting places.

I will give it my best shot if I’m recalled. To be sincere, these players are all good strikers and I respect them. I hope to return and work together with them. The most important thing is the team,” Martins said.