Martin Keen To Repay The Faith Shown In Him

Striker Chris Martin was delighted to repay the faith shown in him by netting Derby County's late equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United yesterday and he is determined to continue to make an impact this season.

The striker was introduced off the bench in the 73rd minute of the game and quickly made his mark, holding the ball up and bringing others into play.

His work both on and off the ball was impressive and in the final minutes of the game he popped up with the equaliser, guiding the ball into the bottom corner past Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to earn the Rams a 1-1 draw.

It’s been just under two years since Martin's last goal for the Rams, but he was keen to concentrate on the here and now and help ensure his side climb the Sky Bet Championship table.

“It’s nice to repay the faith that the fans have shown in me and also the manager,” he told RamsTV.

“It’s been a tough road at times. I’ve not been in the squad, I’ve done extra sessions in the afternoons and I’ve managed to get the rewards today.

“I don’t think it’s time for sentimentality, I think we need to make sure we keep picking up points.

“I think if you would look at this before and after, and take out the context of the game, a point away at Leeds United is a good point.”

That was only the striker’s second appearance in a Derby County shirt since January 2018.

His last start for the club came against Barnsley in December 2017 and he has his sights firmly set on making Phillip Cocu’s starting line-up.

“That’s the natural progression,” he said. “I think every player in the squad wants to do that. The manager said after the game that its’ going to take everybody.

“It’s 1-11, plus the subs, plus the people that aren't even here so people are going to have to contribute at some point.

“It’s about getting on the pitch and doing your job. From a personal point of view, I want to play as many games as possible, as every footballer would tell you so I’m no different to that.

“There is good competition here and some very good players, so whether that means playing five minutes or playing the whole game, I need to come on and make sure I do my job for the team, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”