With a few more crucial goals like the one on Tuesday night, surely it’s only a matter of time.
But City striker Chris Martin admitted yesterday that he’s happy to bide his time as he strives for a regular Canary starting slot.
The Beccles-born youngster has looked sharp when being introduced from the bench and his midweek goal against the O’s was arguably the most important of the contest.
With 75 minutes on the clock, the City faithful will have fearing ‘one of those nights’. But the master blaster popped up with a vital strike to open the floodgates.
And Martin was delighted with his contribution. “It did give me good satisfaction to come off the bench and score as it does always.
“But to do it in a winning team and with a winning performance makes it feel even better,” he told the press yesterday.
“Obviously any striker is happy when they score. I was happy to come on and score the other night.
“I think as long as you’re coming on and doing well then it gives the manager a problem for selection the next game and obviously as a substitute that’s all you can do to try and force your way back in.
“If you ask any footballer they want to be starting games but I’ve been happy with the way I have been playing when I do come on, and hopefully if I keep doing well from the bench, then I might get a few starts.”
Boss Paul Lambert revealed his admiration of Martin’s finishing prowess after the 4-0 success and he does seem to be more clinical in front of goal after spending a year on-loan at Luton Town last year.
The Scot admitted he still has work to do on other parts of his game, but his finishing could prove crucial this season – especially in a super-sub role. It’s all about getting it in the onion bag after all.
“I put my head down and smashed it across goal. It’s the only real way I’d have scored so I was happy to see it creep into the corner.”
It was good night all round for Martin and the other half of the ‘Luton Two’, with his former Academy pal Michael Spillane also getting on the scoresheet.
And he always knew the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was capable of such feats, even if he was sporting a huge grin on his face whilst admitting so.
“Yeah I always knew he had that in him! It’s about time he showed it. No, to be fair it was a great goal. He did a little stepover, jinked inside and shot.
“I’ve been winding him up a little bit about getting his first goal for Norwich and it was nice to see him get on the scoresheet.”
But as satisfying as Tuesday night was, Martin and Co will be keen to focus on their next big challenge today in the shape of high-flying Bristol Rovers.
The 3pm clash represents a real chance for City to round off an excellent week with a win. And Martin is expecting a fascinating clash between two teams high on belief.
“There are no easy games in any league I don’t think, when teams are battling as hard as they do,” continued the striker.
“Obviously Bristol Rovers have had a great start to the season sitting third in the league so it’s going to be a very tough game – both teams are riding high on confidence.
“But I think with the spirit we’ve shown in the two results before, getting a couple of late goals – that obviously boosts confidence.
“And with Tuesday night’s result and the manner of the goals scored, it gives all the boys a lot of belief. The lads are buzzing about and can’t wait for Saturday.”
Tom Haylett
Leave a Reply