Martin signed for Norwich from Peterborough nearly 12 months ago

Russell Martin says Norwich City have proved they are strong enough to compete at the top of the Championship.

The Canaries lost 3-1 at new leaders Cardiff on Saturday, having drawn 0-0 at second-placed QPR in their previous away game.

And the defender told BBC Radio Norfolk their performance proved a point.

"We've been away to QPR and Cardiff now. The first 10 minutes here killed us but, apart from that, in both games we've done really well," he said.

"Financially they're miles apart from us. The fact they can sign Craig Bellamy on loan tells it's own story.

"We'll keep plugging away, we'll keep the belief and hopefully continue our form. We've always bounced back from a defeat, hopefully we'll do that again next week."

The Norwich right-back was handed the task of marking Bellamy at the Cardiff City Stadium, and managed to keep the Canaries academy product relatively subdued.

But 24-year-old Martin revealed that Bellamy fully lived up to his on-field reputation for playing a good verbal game.

"I was expecting a bit of stick and it happened within two minutes, I enjoyed it and I think I did ok against him, he's still one of the best," said Martin.

"Maybe he needs to be like that to play on top of his game. I've played with people like that, just not quite on that scale.

"But I revelled in it, gave some back myself and enjoyed it. You want to test yourself against the best, and they'll be up there by the end, especially with players like him."

Bellamy started his career at Carrow Road, leaving for Coventry 10 years ago, and received an ovation from the travelling Norwich fans when substituted.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version