JOSH Martin admits the start to his Barnsley career has been ‘testing’ but hopes his outstanding cup performance in midweek will lead to more opportunities in League One.
The 21-year-old forward, on loan from Norwich City for the season, is yet to start in the league but netted his first two Reds goals, along with two assists, in a 4-2 EFL Trophy game at his former club Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.
Martin told the Chronicle: “It’s been testing. It’s not been easy because you want to start every game.
“But you can’t always have that.
“It’s been good for me, I have learned a lot and I keep progressing.
“With patience and hard work, things come. Having just signed, I didn’t expect to go straight into the team.
“I am grateful for the minutes I have got.
“It helps getting goals and assists.
“I am really happy to be off the mark for Barnsley. Hopefully I will get more minutes at the weekend.”
Luke Thomas had been starting ahead of Martin in the front three but broke his leg last week in training and is out for four months.
Martin said: “First of all, Luke is a top guy and top player.
“I wish him a speedy recovery.
“Of course it will have opened an opportunity for me.
“But nothing changes. I just keep working hard and hope to get as many opportunities as possible.”
Like Martin, 16-year-old Fabio Jalo netted twice in midweek. Martin said: “He can be really proud of himself.
“He finished his goals very well and didn’t look like a 16-year-old.
“He has a lot of potential. I think he can go really high. The most important thing is he keeps working hard and keeps his head straight.”
Martin is aware of the significance of tomorrow’s match at Bolton Wanderers, who join the Reds in the top seven, but insists every game should be taken very seriously after they lost 2-0 at home to Exeter City on Saturday.
“I think Saturday is a must-win and I think everyone will agree after the last game. I think we come alive in the so-called big games.
“But we need to turn up in every game. Saturday was a one-off. We can do much much better. Everyone was disappointed afterwards but we’re ready to fight for the next one.”
