Chris Martin was conspicuous by his absence when Norwich City players and staff lined up for the official pre-season team photograph at Carrow Road yesterday.

Chris Martin was conspicuous by his absence when Norwich City players and staff lined up for the official pre-season team photograph at Carrow Road yesterday.

It remains to be seen whether the 19-year-old striker was left out merely because he has slipped down the pecking order under Glenn Roeder - or because he is about to be farmed out to another club on loan.

Martin has scored five goals in 30 appearances for the Canaries, but was rarely seen in the first team after Roeder had taken over, with the City boss publicly criticising his attitude and fitness

By all accounts the Beccles-born frontman has worked hard during the summer, but he hasn't made a big impact in the pre-season games and it could just be that a loan move to a League One or Two club would suit all concerned, with Jamie Cureton, Arturo Lupoli and Omar Koroma all abovce him in the pecking order, and another striker on the manager's shopping list.

Fellow Academy graduate Michael Spillane, who has 18 first team appearances to his name, was another contracted professional who failed to make the team picture. He would also appear to face an uncertain future at Carrow Road.

Less of a surprise was the absence of forgotten man Simon Lappin, who Roeder has said he wants to offload.

Youngsters Kris Renton, Damon Lathrope, Luke Daley and Korey Smith, who have yet to prove themselves at first team level, also sat out the photo session.