Martin: Carrow Road success vital

Norwich City defender Russell Martin believes that strong form at home will help his side’s Premier League survival.

The Canaries have enjoyed the best start to the season of all the promoted clubs, having picked up 12 points from their opening nine matches so far – the latest in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Despite maintaining an impressive record on their travels, the 25-year-old believes it is points at Carrow Road that will keep them in the Premier League.

“You want to win all your home games, whether it’s against Swansea, Manchester United – home form is going to be massive,” Martin told the Eastern Daily Press.

“The more home wins we can pick up the more pressure it takes off us on the road.”

Saturday’s draw with Liverpool was particularly inspiring given that seven of the players who featured for Norwich have previously played non-league football.

Martin himself started his career in the lower echelons of the football league, but has put together a string of impressive performances at centre-half against some of the best sides in the land so far this season, despite being more accustomed to playing at full-back.

The former Peterborough man is enjoying his football at the moment, and is keen to fight for his place once his team-mates return to full fitness.

“Hopefully I can stay there as long as possible,” he continued.

“It’s up to me to keep them out. I’m enjoying it and me and Barney [Leon Barnett] are growing every game. We’re improving, I’ll keep learning so hopefully I can improve in that position.”

Norwich host bottom club Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on Saturday.