Chris Lakey Russell Martin is looking forward to getting a second chance to prove himself at Championship level. The Canaries right-back, fit again after missing two matches with a foot injury, enjoyed promotion from League One as Peterborough skipper a year ago, but fell out of favour at London Road just two months into the season.

Chris Lakey

Russell Martin is looking forward to getting a second chance to prove himself at Championship level.

The Canaries right-back, fit again after missing two matches with a foot injury, enjoyed promotion from League One as Peterborough skipper a year ago, but fell out of favour at London Road just two months into the season.

His absence rang alarm bells in Paul Lambert's office and soon Martin was reunited with his former Wycombe manager, eventually turning a loan deal into a full transfer in January.

A quick return to the second tier presents an opportunity to prove a point - and not just to Peterborough.

“For me it is massive,” said Martin. “I want to prove myself in there. I had a run of games where I thought I'd done well and then all of a sudden I didn't find myself in the team.

“But things happen outside, off the pitch, that you can't influence. There was a change of manager and that was it for me. For me it's another chance to go in and prove that I can play at that level - and I'm sure a lot of other players are the same.”

“I was speaking to Grant Holt about it and he's had the same thing. When he went to Sheffield Wednesday he didn't really get the chance that he felt he deserved in that league, so there will be people desperate to prove themselves, no doubt about it, but I think that is only a good thing. It makes us hungry to go and do well in that league and it is a step up - but one we are all looking forward to.”

Martin isn't alone is putting his case for a regular starting place next term.

“Definitely, there's no doubt about that,” he said. “I am sure the gaffer has got his ideas of who he wants to bring in and stuff like that, but the lads want to go out every week and perform. It's going to be a bit tough next season, no doubt about it. Week in, week out you're playing massive clubs, with big, big crowds in nice stadiums, but it's something the lads will thrive on.

“The big games this year, we've really enjoyed them and we've gone away to teams like Huddersfield and put in great performances.

“Next season it will be no different and we will go out and try and win games and see where it takes us.”

Martin has put in extra time in training to ensure he can play a part this afternoon - and survived a whack from Adam Drury in training as well.

“I'm looking forward to it, I have worked really hard to get back,” he said. “I wanted to get back for this one. The atmosphere will be great, the gaffer has spoken about it all week and hopefully the fans will enjoy it and we will put on a good display to end the season.”