Jonathan Redhead Stand-in centre-back Russell Martin believes the momentum is with Norwich City as they head to Walsall. Injuries and suspension saw Martin switched from right-back to the centre of the Canaries' defence alongside Michael Nelson for Saturday's 2-0 victory over Millwall at Carrow Road.

Jonathan Redhead

Stand-in centre-back Russell Martin believes the momentum is with Norwich City as they head to Walsall.

Injuries and suspension saw Martin switched from right-back to the centre of the Canaries' defence alongside Michael Nelson for Saturday's 2-0 victory over Millwall at Carrow Road.

And the on-loan star feels City's eighth consecutive home success is important as Paul Lambert's men continue their hunt for a spot in the automatic promotion spots at the summit of League One.

“Momentum's massive,” Martin said. “Everyone talks about it at the moment and it's the in word in football.

“But it is massive and if we can keep it going and roll on to the next game, and like today, when you haven't put in a vintage display but you've got a result, and you've got to keep that going.

“It's always tough with two games in three days and I don't think they've had a game either but we'll go there and play our normal game.

“It's going to be a massive effort. We'll have a little day's rest thankfully then a few days until the Wycombe game and give it everything for 90 minutes and the boys will come off on their knees I'm sure but we'll go there for a result like we do every game.”

With Jens Berthel Askou and Michael Spillane on the injury list, and Gary Doherty suspended after picking up five bookings, Lambert switched Martin into the centre of defence to take on the Lions.

And Martin insisted he enjoyed the experience after a testing opening spell.

“It's totally fine. I quite enjoy playing there - it's good to have a little change,” he said.

“Playing here it's a lot different because as a full-back you're required to get up and down. But you just have open your body up a little bit more and I don't mind heading the ball so it's fine and I enjoyed it.

“I played there a few times last season. It was great to keep a clean sheet. I thought Nelse (Michael Nelson) was brilliant.

“I have played there before and we worked it in training this week as well and thankfully it's worked well.

“The first 20 minutes were tough because the sun was right in our eyes and you literally couldn't see a thing when it went in the air.

“We weathered the storm for the first 15 minutes and then after that we were fine. They didn't really trouble us.

“We said before the game that teams are going to come here and not feel any pressure maybe because they're not expected to win.

“Obviously, it's going to be different throughout the season, but they might come here for the first 15 minutes and have a real go.

“Thankfully, Fraser (Forster) made a good save and after that I think the boys put in a great performance.

“They showed the other side of their football.

“We can play pretty football, but I think they showed grit and the fight.

“It was against a Millwall side that battle and we knew that it was going to be a tough game and it was imperative for us to win the battle.”

Martin was full of praise for City's attacking trio of Grant Holt, Wes Hoolahan and Chris Martin who were the key to the win and have been vital to the Canaries' form this campaign.

“They take a lot of the pressure off,” he said.

“They get the plaudits and rightly so because they've scored a lot of goals so far this season and they create a lot and they work really well together.

“But it's a team game and the midfield have been brilliant in the last few games. They're just a pleasure to play with.

“If we come under the cosh, they can hold it up and they're always going to create goals so hopefully they can keep that up for the second half of the season.”