Derby County manager Nigel Clough hoping to extend loan stay for Norwich City striker Chris Martin
DERBY County are hopeful of having striker Chris Martin back on loan when they return to action against Bristol City.
Martin's one-month loan expired after Saturday's 2-1 home victory over Leicester City, in which he scored his first goal in a Rams shirt.
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Chris Martin takes a shot on goal during Saturday's game against Leicester City. The striker is left flat out (below).
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Derby County skipper Richard Keogh (above) rises to head home Jamie Ward's free kick to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. Keogh enjoys the moment (left). Conor Sammon mis-kicks in front of goal (opposite top). Ward gets in a cross (opposite below).
Talks between Derby and Norwich City over extending his stay at Pride Park are ongoing.
I understand the talks have been positive and a deal is close.
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Martin has made an impact in his five games and manager Nigel Clough has praised the player's contribution.
"We are trying to keep Chris," said Clough.
"We have been trying in the past week to sort something out and, hopefully, we are not too far away.
"I think he wants to stay and that is the main thing.
"He has done well for us. He is a calming influence. He gets a hold of the ball, keeps it simple and retains possession."
Asked if Martin's loan could lead to a permanent move for next season, Clough said: "That will purely depend on what Norwich's plans are for him."
Martin is out of contract at Carrow Road in the summer, although Norwich have a one-year option on him.
On the possibility of extending his loan, Martin said: "We are in the process of doing that now. Hopefully, something can be confirmed as soon as possible.
"I don't think Norwich will take up their option because, to be quite frank, I've not really been involved in the squad for the past couple of years, on and off.
"They've made their position very clear to me that I'm not really part of the plans.
"You never know in football, so I'll wait and see how that goes."
Derby's other loan player, Craig Forsyth, filled in at left-back against Leicester for the injured Gareth Roberts.
Forsyth, on loan from Watford, had played on the left of midfield in his previous two games.
"Gareth took a knock on the side of a calf muscle in training on Friday," said Clough.
"It was innocuous and we didn't think it would be a problem. We thought he would be OK but he woke up on Saturday morning and it was still very sore.
"I thought Craig was very solid at left-back.
"When you do have to change positions it is your attitude as much as anything that gets you through and Craig did really well."
6 Comments
by Derby_Stu
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 9:13AM
“Agree a fit Ward is a cracking player but we have to presume is current injury record will continue.
See Martin as a direct replacement for Sammon, with Bennett, possibly Jacobs and a new signing to compliment??
Who knows Robinson might come back and with him only having to run off Martin, he might be the one? Out of interest how many goals has he scored for Huddersfield?”
by sc0tty
Monday, March 18 2013, 12:13PM
“I didnt mean a direct replacment as I agree they are completly different. Definatly a good signing if we can get him on a free (which I think we will be able to). Depending on who we sign as "the finisher" to play along side someone like Sammon/Martin where does that leave Ward? Playing wide left like he did on saturday. I think that is the only way to do it as Ward is someone you just cannot leave out if he is fit. I assume Callum Ball will be back for next season too!”
by MISTAWOOD
Monday, March 18 2013, 11:14AM
“Is Martin a replacement for Theo or Robinson?? To me he's a completely different type of player.
Martin is the link man, the outlet ball, the touch of composure which should bring others in to play. If we were to sign him we'd need a player to play off of him - the finisher.
Theo is the closest we have (or had) to that. Despite his numerous failings he has the knack of being in the right place to get a goal. You take a look at our bench now and there are very, very few game-changers who could affect a game if we're trailing (Jacobs or Bennett perhaps - but it's hard to say as we've seen so little of either player)
I didn't realise the Martin could potentially be available on a free; that makes him an even better potential signing! But we would need to find a partner for him, because for all the things i like and admire about Sammon, on Saturday's performance i don't think he's it.”
by sc0tty
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:39AM
“Yes i agree that he would be a good addition as replacement for Tyson/Theo. I do still feel we need a more natural goalscorer as I don think Martin will be a 20 goal a season man. Will be very intersting to see what strikers we have at the club when we kick off next season!”
by MadridRam
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:04AM
“I agree, tramway. Getting shot of Robinson and Tyson to replace with Martin seems like a good deal to me. I only hope it turns permanent as I have a lot more faith in Martin's ability than the two we've sent out.”
by Balanced Funding Solutions Ltd
Monday, March 18 2013, 9:48AM
“Has been a very good loan spell.
He is a class above what we currently have up front both in terms of his first touch and control and also his ability to link up play and bring his team mates into the game and would be a great acquisition for next year.”