Martin is eager for more as he faces old club
WHEN Derby County return to Championship action after the international break they will come up against a familiar face who believes his side is ready to reinforce their promotion credentials.
Chris Martin scored the only goal of the game as Bristol City beat Cardiff City last weekend.
Back-to-back victories leave the Robins fifth, only two points behind leaders Reading, going into the international break and they are at home to the Rams next, on November 21.
“I am very confident we can kick on,” said Martin.
“We have shown a fantastic attitude and spirit within the group, even when the chips were down and people were starting to write us off.
“But we knew what we had in the dressing room and that we had a really good spirit and togetherness, which has shown over the last couple of games, especially with the situation we have found ourselves in, being a goal down at Huddersfield after a difficult spell, and then dealing with the threat that Cardiff pose to hold out for the win.
“It was a tough game and it showed in the second half, we were under a lot of pressure, balls in the box which we expected but I thought, on the whole, we dealt with it extremely well and we’re delighted with the three points.
“They (Cardiff) grew into the game, they had opportunities and they are dangerous from set plays with their height and physicality they have.
“I felt it was important we stood up to that and be able to deal with that. The Championship is full of that, so it’s fantastic to get a result by showing those qualities.
“We showed a great togetherness, which has been built up from the manager and his staff.
“It is something he preaches and the lads have definitely taken that on board and we’ve got a lot of belief in each other, so it is nice to see that come off with two wins from two.”
City were on a run of five games without a win before winning their last two and that lean streak showed the players there is plenty of hard work ahead, said Martin.
“We can’t take too much from this. It is a good start and a good platform for us but the manager will make sure we stay well and truly grounded and that’s exactly what we have to do,” he added.
“We will continue to work on the training pitch, take on the information and keep trying to put it into practice on the pitch.
“That has been the case over the last couple of games and long may that continue.”
The goal against Cardiff was Martin’s first in the Championship for the Robins and he said he hoped that it was the first of many.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Martin.
“If I had my way, I would have got off the mark in the League sooner but I think it’s pay-off for being unlucky in other games.
“I’ve provided assists for people so, as a striker, it’s nice to be on the end of it – it’s good to contribute and, hopefully, I can do that a few more times between now and the end of the season.”
We knew what we had in the dressing room and that we had a really good spirit and togetherness.
Chris Martin