In-Form Martin Pleasing Cocu

Phillip Cocu has praised the way Chris Martin has made his mark in front of goal after returning to the Derby County fold.

Martin, after spending much of the last two seasons out on loan, has forced his way into Cocu’s first-team plans in recent weeks.

He made his first Derby appearance since January 2018 last month with a late substitute appearance against Cardiff City.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back and has announced his return to the squad in emphatic style in front of goal.

Martin has been in fine form and scored three goals in his last three appearances against Leeds United, Birmingham City and Barnsley.

Cocu has been impressed with not only Martin’s goalscoring exploits but his all-round team performance.

On Martin’s goalscoring form, Cocu told RamsTV: “That is excellent, to score three in three.

“I think with one or two chances he will score and it gives us an opportunity to play, to link up the play, and he knows very well when he has to drop and choose the position and be in the 18-yard box at the right time.

“That was positive, especially for him.”

Martin is one of Derby’s longest serving players, after joining from Norwich City in 2013, and has scored 67 goals in 190 appearances for the club.