Joe Aims To Keep Place Despite Crainey Return

Speaking to the official website, Joe Martin has said that he is aiming to keep his place in the Seasiders starting XI for the visit of QPR on Saturday.

The 20 year old got a rare start last weekend against Cardiff and did well, but Stephen Crainey, who missed the game through injury, has been back in training this week and could be set to regain his spot at left back.

However Martin has insisted that he will not give up his position without a fight, and that he expects manager Ian Holloway to make full use of all his squad over the coming weeks with the Seasiders facing a flurry of games.

'The build up of fixtures is going to be tough, there are a few injuries and that so we are going to need to use the whole squad, especially over the next couple of weeks,' he said.

'If I can get a few games then I'm confident that I can do a good job for the team.'

After signing permanently for the Seasiders following a loan spell from Tottenham, Martin greatly impressed everyone with his performances at left back during the first half of last season.

However, Simon Grayson's departure to Leeds saw him dropped in favour of the more experienced Ian Harte by caretaker manager Tony Parkes - a decision that was not only bewildering, but also seemed to knock all the confidence out of Joe.

In his few appearances since then, he's visibly looked short on confidence, and everyone connected to the club will be hoping that the talented youngster can get back to his best, whether it be through a sustained run in the first deal or through a loan move.

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