Martin's so confident, says City boss

David Cuffley

City boss Paul Lambert insists he has no worries about striker Chris Martin's ability to score goals at Championship level - such as his superb winner against Barnsley.

Martin struck his first league goal of the season 10 minutes from time to seal a 2-1 success, but his manager knew he would get off the mark before long.

“He certainly knows where the goal is. If there's a situation and you know the one you'd want the ball to fall to, it would be him. He's an absolutely brilliant finisher,” said Lambert.

The 21-year-old Martin scored 23 goals in all competitions last season and opened his account for 2010-11 with a double in the 4-1 win over Gillingham in the Carling Cup. He came close to his first Championship goal since 2007 when he struck the woodwork twice in the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

“His performances have been terrific. He nearly had a couple up at Forest. I never worry about Chrissy Martin. He's as confident as the day is long,” said Lambert.

The City boss praised his players' desire after they came from behind to beat Barnsley.

He said: “I thought we were terrific from the off. We had a lot of the ball, a lot of the game. We had a few chances to get the goal and we took a setback right at half-time but it was an absolutely terrific response, brilliant.

“We've a great desire to try to win games and I have great belief that the lads will turn it around. There was a small element of luck but it's not just luck the way they keep going.

“They give me everything they've got and that's all I can ask.

“Their ability is always there, that will never leave them, but it's the mental part - trying to get them to feel good about themselves and have the desire not to get beaten.”

Lambert does not place too much significance on City's position of joint sixth in the Championship with 10 points from the first five games.

“I never read too much into it - it's just the start,” he said.