Winger Martin returns to training with Millwall, but still available for Cobblers

ENDING ON A HIGH - Lee Martin celebrates with John Marquis after setting up his fellow Millwall loan man for his goal in the 1-0 win over Newport County on Good Friday

Martin hasn’t played for Town since being taken off at the half-time interval of the 1-0 win over Newport County at Sixfields on Good Friday, the former Manchester United trainee having set up the only goal of the game for John Marquis.

The 29-year-old was left out of the squad for the Easter Monday trip to Mansfield Town, and has not been involved in the home games against Notts County or Bristol Rovers.

And manager Chris Wilder has confirmed that Martin is now back training at his parent club, a move which he says is good for the player as it cuts down unnecessary travelling for him, as he lives in London.

There has been no fall-out, and Wilder says the decision to allow Martin to train back at the New Den is down to the fact he wants to utilise the services of contracted players Nicky Adams, Lawson D’Ath, Alfie Potter and Sam Hoskins instead.

As it stands that means there is no space in the match day 18 for Martin, but he is still available for selection for the Cobblers should injuries or suspensions hit the squad over the last five games of the campaign.

“I thought it was the right time for Nicky Adams to come back into the team,” said Wilder.

“I could bring Lee in and drag him down to Exeter, take him down to Yeovil, but I wanted to play Nicky Adams, while Alfie Potter is back fit and Lawson D’Ath is back fit.

“Ricky Holmes is playing well, I wanted to give Sam Hoskins a go too, so we had plenty of options and it was a sensible decision.

“Lee came here and played a part for us, but I thought it was the proper and correct thing to do for Lee, for us, and for Millwall.

“It looks as if Millwall might be in the play-offs as well, and it is better for him to be down there and amongst it, as if they do get into the play-offs then he might be needed.”

In all, Martin has made nine starts and one substitute appearance for the Cobblers, having signed on loan on January 15.

Other team news ahead of the trip to Exeter City this weekend sees Marc Richards join Paul Corry on the long-term injured list, with the striker undergoing an Achilles operation on Monday.

Striker Marquis is undergoing dental work this week, having had a tooth knocked out during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers, but he is expected to be available for the trip to Devon.