‘I’m Sure Chris Will Relish This Game’

Gary Rowett believes returning to his old club this weekend won’t phase Chris Martin.

The Derby striker, who turned 29 earlier this month, is pushing for a place in Rowett’s starting line-up in tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship game at Fulham (5:30pm kick-off).

Martin came off the bench to score his first goal of the season prior to the recent international break and has impressed with some positive performances.

The Scotland international frontman spent last season on loan at Fulham, scoring 11 times in 34 appearances, before returning to Derby in the summer after penning a new contract back in January.

Players returning to old clubs, particularly for the first time, traditionally come in for some jeers – but Rowett feels Martin is the type of player to use that sort of situation to his advantage.

He told the media on Friday morning: “Chris is an experienced player and won’t have to concern himself too much with going back to Fulham.

“I am sure it is the sort of game that he will relish and look forward to. I know he still has some friends in the Fulham camp.

“I think any player of that experience would use that negativity, if there is any from their fans booing him, to spur them on and inspire them to do better.”

Rowett admits he has some ‘big decisions’ to make when it comes to naming his starting line-up.

Derby were beaten 4-2 by Reading two weeks ago, their first defeat since mid-September, and the Rams’ boss is mulling over who will start at Craven Cottage.

Martin is, however, one of the players who is very much in his thinking.

He said: “There’s been a lot of talk about Chris being at Fulham last year and the like but that doesn’t mean he will automatically start the game.

“He is, of course, in contention to start after being in good form and coming off the bench to score against Reading last time out.

“He adds to the melting pot for some big selection decisions I have to make.”