Chris Lakey Canaries striker Chris Martin could be on his way to League One strugglers Crewe.Martin has fallen down the pecking order since arriving on the scene with a bang just 12 months ago, and has been told by Roeder to shape up if he wants to be a part of the future.

Chris Lakey

Canaries striker Chris Martin could be on his way to League One strugglers Crewe.

Martin has fallen down the pecking order since arriving on the scene with a bang just 12 months ago, and has been told by Roeder to shape up if he wants to be a part of the future.

The teenager has clearly frustrated Roeder since the new manager arrived at the end of October, during which time he has started just two games - and despite scoring five times in the last two reserve games, he found himself dropped to the Under-18s a fortnight ago.

However, Crewe are reportedly ready to end his exile with a loan move to help them stave off relegation for the second time in three years.

It is understood that Crewe boss Steve Holland has asked Roeder about Martin's availability and are awaiting a response.

“We have made some inquiries and spoken to some managers, but you have to question how close we are,” said Holland, who is also trying to get former Crewe player Steve Jones back.

“When no-one gets back to you, you wonder whether you are a million miles away.

“I really don't know whether we are close or not. What I do know is we are still looking and we have made inquiries in the last two weeks, one or two of which are still not dead.

“We are still continuing to look and if we could bring in a forward who would improve us, then we would do it.”

Holland is desperate for some firepower to help Crewe, who are just two places off the League One drop zone. He has already brought in Gary Roberts from Ipswich and former player Kenny Lunt from Sheffield Wednesday.

Now Martin is in his sights, with Holland clearly hoping the youngster can thrive at a club renowned for producing its own home-grown talent through the years, including the likes of former Canaries striker Dean Ashton.

Martin was given his debut by Peter Grant last January, as a sub against Wolves. He scored the extra-time winner in the FA Cup third round replay against Blackpool and on February 24 set off a run of four league matches with a goal when he netted the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Coventry at Carrow Road.

His goals provided a valuable lifeline for City who had by then lost Robert Earnshaw to injury, but after the four in a row he failed to hit the back of the net again, although he did score on his England Under-19s debut in March.

However, Martin's exploits had set off the rumour mill, with Tottenham and Manchester United said to be interested - prompting Grant to end his apprentice status and give him a three-year contract, which he signed in April.

But Martin started only three games before Roeder took over - twice for Grant and once for caretaker Jim Duffy - and the present incumbent has been equally unconvinced.