Left back Joe Martin has said he’s determined to cement a place in manager Neil Harris’ first team after making his debut for the club in Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over Northampton Town.
Having moved to us from Gillingham over the summer, the 26 year old has been sidelined by an ill timed ankle injury since August, so midweek was his first showing for us as he continues to work his way back to full fitness and sharpness, and having now made his bow he’s looking to build on what he thought was a ‘steady’ debut for him.
Speaking to the official site he explained.
‘I was delighted to get my first 90 minutes. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead for the next couple weeks of training. The injury was one of those things. It was a bit unlucky but that happens in football. It was massively disappointing coming to a new club because I wanted to get in the team early but I’m fit now and I’ve been training for a couple of weeks.’
As for his debut against Northampton, he went on to say.
‘I had a steady game. I felt a little bit rusty at times but that 90 minutes will do me wonders for the next couple of weeks and I was just happy that we got the win, which was the main thing.’
As for his aims now he’s up and running again, the plan is simply to work his way into the gaffer’s regular first team plans now, but he knows he has to work for it.
‘If the boys are playing well and we’re winning then you can’t expect that you go straight into the team, especially when I haven’t played much football. I’ve just got to use the training to do my best and hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to stake my claim. There is still a lot of games and I think it will be a successful season this year so if I can get in the team it will be great and we can kick on.’
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Martin Looking To Kick On
