A great interview with Davie and some nice words from him.
Heres another interview with him which was in last weeks Croydon Advertiser, unfortunately there wasn't any link direct to the interview so here goes.
Martin makes the most of his time in spotlight
Debutant Dave Martin celebrated on Saturday night with a drop of his favourite tipple - Orange juice.
Apart from anything the former scaffolder looks too young to spend a night on the tiles. But during his 30 minute cameo against Luton, the baby faced winger showed a ruthless and committed streak which bodes well for the remainder of his fledgling Eagles career.
The 21yr old said "I loved it out there, and can't wait for some more action now. All the lads were really encouraging, before i went on and when i was actually out on the pitch. The manager told me to go out there and enjoy myself, which is what i did."
Martin's enthusiasm is infectious - his broad smile could even give Ronaldinho's toothy grin a run for it's money. In an otherwise disappointing season, the ascent to first team status of Martin, Lewis Grabban and Lewis Spence has shone like a beacon. Most notable has been the composure of the trio's displays: like his predecessors, Martin showed few signs of nerves after taking to the turf.
He said "My run out for the reserves in the week had given me a lot of confidence, which i took into Saturdays game. I was more excited than anything, because i didn't really have time to get nervous.
It all happend so quickly. One minute Matty Lawrence was down on the floor injured, then the next i was out on the pitch to replace him."
Once out there Martin showed a maturity which belied his tender years. His attacking enterprise was refreshing and clearly appreciated by the Selhurst faithful, who may have found themselves a new hero.
Martin said "I was surprised at how much space and time on the ball i had - though the fact that we had an extra man obviously helped.
I felt relaxed and comfortable every time i was on the ball, and the crowd really helped me in that. They were brilliant. I couldn't have asked for more, and i can't wait until next week now - if i get picked that is."
The last comment is cheering, and gives cause for optimism, for there seems little chance Martins success will go to his head.
A down to earth type, there seems equally little chance he will be caught frequenting the capital's trendy nightspots. Determination and dedication have got him this far and if his career is to progress Martin knows he will need to redouble his efforts and keep his Adidas Predators planted firmly on the ground.
He said "Im still learning all the time in training, theres still a hell of a lot of work to be done, and obviously i've still got a long way to go.
If im being honest i probably hadn't expected to be picked in a squad so soon in my Palace career let alone actually play. Joining from Dartford was a massive step up in class, but i've enjoyed every minute.
Don't get me wrong i loved it down at Dartford but the buzz from running out at Selhurst Park was better than anything i've experianced before."
When Martin gets his next adrenaline fix will depend on the fitness or otherwise of the clubs three crocked wingers, Jobi McAnuff, Stuart Green and Paul Ifill.
Should two of the three return to the Eagles squad for tomorrows trip to Burnley, Martins place could be in jeopardy. But even if he fails to feature this time around, Martin must know an extended run is just around the corner, having shown he can cut it in this elevated company.
He said "The first few times in training i was probably a bit unsure, because i didn't know if i belonged. But the manager told me he wouldn't have brought me here if he thought i couldn't do a job at this level, and that i had as much right to be here as everyone else. It's now down to me to prove him right."
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Topic: Dave Martin's Crystal Palace Thread - follow our star's progress here (Read 36231 times)