Defender Martin admits he 'can't complain' over his lack of game-time

Joe Martin made only his third league start since October at Macclesfield last weekend

The 31-year-old joined Northampton from Stevenage last summer and was a regular at the beginning of the season, starting 10 of Town's first 13 league games.

But Keith Curle's decision to deploy two attacking wing-backs in a 3-5-2 system have limited opportunities for Martin, who's a full-back by trade.

However, Scott Wharton's recent suspension and Jordan Turnbull's injury opened up an opportunity at centre-back against Scunthorpe and Macclesfield.

Martin played well in both games as Cobblers kept consecutive clean sheets and collected six points from six, however with Wharton and Turnbull back available and the team in fine form, the former Gillingham and Millwall man accepts he can't grumble too much.

"Over the years I have played at centre-back," he said. "I've played in a two and I've played at left-back but I'll play anywhere the gaffer needs.

"Obviously I'd like to be playing every week but I can't really complain because the boys have been in such great form and I can't really knock on the gaffer's door when they've been winning every week.

"It's pleasing to have come into the team and we've still won from a personal point of view because I didn't want it to go the other way so it's good that everyone's on the right page.

"Scotty's been excellent for us. He's got a real good future and he'll definitely play higher than where he is at the moment and who knows where he'll end up, but it's a squad game.

"Whoever gets picked to play has to do a job and it keeps everyone on their toes. Lloyd (Jones) came in at Macclesfield and he fitted in straightaway.

"He was a bit tired towards the end but he'll get fitter and we've got a good squad for this league so we are looking strong and it's good signs."

Cobblers' exit from the FA Cup on Tuesday means their full focus is now on winning promotion to League One.

"Our season is all about promotion at the end of the day," added Martin. "It's great to go on a run in the FA Cup and the club have got a bit of money from that but first and foremost the league is the most important thing.

"It's tight and at this time of year people get a bit nervy and there's probably teams up there that won't be there at the end of the season and someone will come from the pack.

"It's the same every year but we've got something that we're good at and if we keep doing that and don't deviate, we'll see if it's enough to get us in the top three."