Chris Martin has not played a game for Norwich since January 2008

Striker Chris Martin staked his claim for a place in the Norwich City first team with two goals in the Canaries' 3-2 friendly win over Wigan.

The Latics led twice at Carrow Road, with Martin equalising both times, before Simon Whaley got the winner.

City manager Bryan Gunn told BBC Radio Norfolk Martin is in with a chance.

"His performances in pre-season certainly warrant me having a lot of thoughts about him being in the line up next week," he said.

Martin spent last season on loan at Luton Town in League Two, but the 20-year-old, who burst into the Canaries team with five goals in nine games in 2007, has learnt from the experience according to Gunn.

"He's in form, and he's scoring goals, and that's what we brought him back to do. It's good to see that if we do have to adapt our tactics he can fit into that as well.

"Grant Holt was a little exposed on his own up-front, but I think if he's playing with a partner who's on goal-scoring form, like Chris is, there could be a good partnership there."

"It's certainly given us something to think about," he added.

Martin, who was frozen out by former Norwich boss Glenn Roeder before being loaned to the Hatters, says he is ready to fight for a place in the team.

"I think it's healthy. I think it's important that we have competition all over the pitch. You know that you have to perform and if you don't, someone will be replacing you," Martin said.

"It's been good to come back. I've really enjoyed pre-season and I've been working hard and I'm really enjoying it."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version