Norwich City's on loan defender Russell Martin revealed yesterday he could have been lining up against the Canaries at Wycombe tomorrow. Martin had already agreed a Carrow Road switch ahead of a reported permanent New Year move when Choirboys' owner Steve Hayes launched a late bid to bring him back to Adams Park.

Norwich City's on loan defender Russell Martin revealed yesterday he could have been lining up against the Canaries at Wycombe tomorrow.

Martin had already agreed a Carrow Road switch ahead of a reported permanent New Year move when Choirboys' owner Steve Hayes launched a late bid to bring him back to Adams Park. The 23-year-old made more than 100 league appearances at Wycombe during a four year spell before moving on to parent club Peterborough.

"I would have loved to have returned," said Martin. "Steve wanted to bring me back to the club but Peterborough and Norwich had already sorted a deal. At a different time, who knows? Having said, that I'm delighted with the move to Norwich.

"It has worked out really well for me and I hope the club think so too. Norwich is a massive club and their supporter fan base is phenomenal. It was a massive opportunity for me and I'm glad the gaffer and the club have given me a chance. Hopefully we can kick on now and get promotion."

Martin admits Wycombe will always hold a special place in his heart.

"Everyone knows I loved my time at Wycombe," he said. "The fans and staff were always so good towards me and I loved stepping out at Adams Park. I've kept in touch with some of the lads and I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar, friendly faces. However, for 90 minutes I am going to have to put aside my affection for the club and then afterwards I'll be able to catch up with friends.

"I got a great reception when I came back with Peterborough in August and it meant a lot. Hopefully I'll get another warm welcome on Saturday. I was on the bench for that game but hopefully I'll be starting at the weekend."

Martin is ruling out any divided loyalties come kick off time, with City looking to step up their title bid.

"Both sides have got a lot to play for," he told Wycombe's official site. "For us, it's big because we want to stay within that group of teams at the top, whereas Wycombe need the points to try and pull away from the relegation zone. It's a big game for both teams.

"With us bringing such a good following I'm sure it will be like a cup atmosphere inside Adams Park. It's the first game after New Year, it's the final blowout before people go back to work and I'm sure both sets of fans will turn up in force."

Martin is backing his former club to avoid the drop, even though they are currently six points adrift of the safety mark with just rock bottom Stockport below them in the table.

"The Wycombe result is the first one I look for when I come off the field," he said. "I think they are more than good enough to stay up and, like I said to someone the other day, we are only halfway through the season. There is a long way to go."