Defender Carl Martin was on trial at Crewe Alexandra during the summer

Crewe defender Carl Martin is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former team-mate Jermaine Beckford by becoming a success in the Football League.

Martin joined the Alex for a nominal fee from non-league Wealdstone, the same club from where Leeds United striker Beckford was discovered.

"Jermaine is someone that I aspire to," Martin told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He's come from where I have come from, done what I've done, and I'm hoping I can do the same that he has."

Beckford is one of the hottest properties outside the Premier League, having scored 62 goals in 113 games for Leeds.

Martin, 22, had a trial with the Alex in the summer, only to subsequently be released by former Crewe boss Gudjon Thordarson.

But, after training with Dagenham & Redbridge, his move to the Alexandra Stadium was resurrected earlier this month by caretaker manager Dario Gradi.

"I loved my few weeks here at Crewe in the summer and I was delighted to come back here," added Martin.

"With the reputation that the club has, the facilities and the coaching staff here, it's a great opportunity for me."

Martin, who is currently out of action with an ankle problem, is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Alex.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version