JOSH Martin was impressed from the bench by his new team’s performance in their win at Sheffield Wednesday then ‘couldn’t believe’ he was celebrating a goal 20 seconds into his Barnsley debut.
The attacking midfielder – who turns 21 today – joined the Reds last week on a season-long loan, with the Oakwell club having an option to buy him.
Martin then made his debut as a substitute in the 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
He came off the bench as part of a triple change alongside Slobodan Tedic and James Norwood, who headed in the second goal seconds later.
Martin told the Chronicle: “I was definitely thinking when I was watching on the bench that I will have to be at my best to get in this team. They were really good. I will have to do well every day in training and when I come on in games.
“When I came on and we scored straight away, I just couldn’t believe it. But then I was just thinking we had to see it through to a big win.”
Martin added: “I really enjoyed it.
“I hadn’t played since April so it was good to get the taste of it and the feeling back in my legs.
“We beat a team that is going to be looking to win the league so it shows the potential we have. Barnsley is also a club that will push to win the league.”
Why did he choose to join Barnsley?
“There was interest and talks with other clubs but, as soon as I found out Barnsley were interested, I thought ‘that’s a very good option’. I spoke to Khaled (El-Ahmad, chief executive) and the manager (Michael Duff) and straight away I wanted to join.”
Martin spent ten years in the Arsenal academy before moving to Norwich in 2019, making 14 appearances. He was loaned at MK Dons at the start of last season but did not start a league match then impressed in the second half last season for Doncaster Rovers. He scored four goals and added three assists in 20 games for Barnsley’s South Yorkshire neighbours who were relegated.
“It was a shame we got relegated because, at the end, the team was doing really well. It was unlucky and I am sorry to the Doncaster fans but I think this season they will be very good.”
