David Cuffley Striker Chris Martin knows the Canaries must become harder to score against.The striker has pin-pointed Norwich City's collective defensive frailties as one of the main reasons why the Canaries have managed to earn only one point in the league so far from a possible nine.

David Cuffley

Striker Chris Martin knows the Canaries must become harder to score against.

The striker has pin-pointed Norwich City's collective defensive frailties as one of the main reasons why the Canaries have managed to earn only one point in the league so far from a possible nine.

Martin's introduction came too late to salvage a point for City at Brentford on Tuesday night, but his contribution may well have impressed new boss Paul Lambert.

City were 2-0 down by the time Martin replaced Simon Whaley after 72 minutes but he looked lively, lifting one half-chance over the bar and twice testing goalkeeper Lewis Price with long-range efforts. The 20-year-old forward said it could have been a valuable away victory had first-half chances been taken.

He said: “I think we were unlucky not to go in front in the first half and the way we conceded the goals is disappointing when we look back at it. It was a bit frustrating, especially towards the end when we were chasing the game. We're possibly too easy to score against and we need to be stronger mentally because our concentration cost us tonight and on Saturday and we need to tighten it up.”

Martin said the players had applied themselves despite the upheaval created by the sacking of former boss Bryan Gunn and that everyone's focus was now on performing against Wycombe at Carrow Road on Saturday.

“It's part and parcel of football. Managers come and go,” he said. “I think the lads have just tried to block it out. It's all you really can do, try to ignore it as much as possible.

“It's still in the back of your mind but you just get your head down. We're professionals at the end of the day. We're paid to do a job and we need to focus on the job in hand and try to get three points.

“We'll have to wait and see what the new manager has in store. Everyone is vying for their place in the team again.”

Martin was effective on the left side of an attacking trio as City switched formation in the closing stages at Brentford.

He said: “It's definitely an option. We play it all right and I was used to playing in that position under Mick Harford at Luton and I do enjoy it at times.”