Martin Assesses The New Derby Challenge That Has Faced Him

Earlier this week, Chris Martin took time out to assess ‘the new, but strangely enjoyable challenge’ that he has been faced with in his Derby County career.

The forward, who turned 29-years-old on Saturday, has faced stiff competition for a place to lead the Rams’ attack this season and by his own admission, he has had to be patient in his mission for a regular starting role.

Martin started in the 2-1 win at Leeds United on Tuesday evening – his first in the Sky Bet Championship since the 2-0 defeat at Wolves in August – off the back of a number of impressive displays off the substitutes bench for Gary Rowett’s side.

Naturally, he was delighted to be back in from the start at Elland Road and has spoken of his determination to push the in-form trio of David Nugent, Matej Vydra and Sam Winnall all the way in the battle to be Derby’s leading frontman.

“It’s been a new challenge for me at the club – one that I haven’t been used to up to this point,” he told RamsTV.

“Strangely, I have enjoyed it. It’s been naturally frustrating because everyone wants to be playing, everyone wants to be scoring and doing well for the team.

“I have had to do that in a slightly different way so far this season. There’s a lot of competition for places in my position, from lads that are doing very well. You have to look at the records of Nuge (David Nugent), Vyds (Matej Vydra) and Sam (Winnall) over the last few games and they have all been scoring goals and playing well too.

“I’ve had to bide my time and be patient, but it has given me new challenges and these scenarios really do develop you as a person.

“I’ve just tried to keep my head down, work hard and do a bit extra to try and force my way back into the team.”

Rowett has also praised Martin’s professionalism, diligence and the way that he has conducted himself so far this term.

That said, the forward believes that the Derby squad in general has been showing ‘great professionalism in bucket loads’ and he feels that has been a significant contributing factor behind the club’s unbeaten run.

He said: “We’re all in it together, though. We’re all pulling in the same direction and that’s something that the manager is massive on.

“He wants us to be contributing and I think we have done that over the last few games. As we have seen, the substitutes have really played their part over the last few games.

“The lads are showing great professionalism in bucket loads at the moment and maintaining that is going to be the key if we are going to be successful.

“The club’s moved on a hell of a lot in terms of the resources and the professionalism. In every single way, things have moved on to the next level and it’s about taking that next step on the field now.

“We have come close on a few occasions to achieving what we want, but I feel we are making great strides once again.”