Aaron Cresswell has leapt to the defence of Ipswich colleague Lee Martin, often a target for fans’ criticism during his time at Portman Road.

But according to Cresswell the former Manchester United winger, whose four-year deal expires at the end of the current campaign, is one of the club’s most valuable assets.

The pair have regularly joined forces on the left of the Town side, although Celtic loanee Daryl Murphy has also lined up there and has started the last two games in the wide midfield role with Martin absent due to a hamstring injury.

Cresswell said: “They are different types but they have both shown they are capable of doing a great job for the team.

“Lee is more energetic but whoever is in front of me on the left we just go out to work hard and do the best we can for the team.

“Personally, I think Lee Martin is one of our best players but, obviously, some fans see it differently. He was unlucky with his miss in the Bristol game but if you look at the stats he does the most running of any player in our team and he’s also got the most assists.

“Alright, sometimes his crossing might not be the best — but that could apply to me, Carlos, Bradley, Stears or whoever is playing in the wide positions, because we don’t always get it right. But all things considered I believe Lee is one of our most important players.”

Cresswell confirmed that in his role as a left-back, which often sees him surging forward to supplement Town attacks, his priority is to help keep things tight at the back.

He added: “First and foremost — and Stears would say the same — our job is to defend. I’d always take a clean sheet before a goal, unless it’s to win the game of course.

“We are defenders and if we get forward to score goals or provide assists that’s a bonus. Stears didn’t look out of place against Middlesbrough last week and settled in brilliantly. It was a fantastic debut by him and he loved the clean sheet as much as any of us.”

Photo: Action Images

Fatcatevans added 19:08 - Feb 14 He's been short of confidence for some while then!! If you think he,s the answer fair play to you. I won't stoop to your level of abuse. I've been a fan for over 50 years. I don't rubbish players just give an opinion based on stats. Enjoy the rest of the season
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TimmyH added 20:29 - Feb 14 Problem with Martin is that we have been saying 'if only he can link up' 'if only he can score more goals'' if he could cross more accurately' 'if he could have more effect on games' etc etc. for the last couple of seasons or so and by and large he hasn't delivered, yes he can run with the ball and does put a bit of effort in...needs to have a good end of season if he's going to stay here but didn't Leadboots start playing better all to no avail?

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Gazelle added 22:18 - Feb 14 Walberswick what makes you think you know more about football than a regular first team professional.
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theobald1985 added 09:51 - Feb 15 apologies for any offence caused i think abuse might be a little strong tho only having a laugh. Im sure ultimately we want the same thing fatcatevans so enjoy the season too
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JimBaxter added 10:23 - Feb 15 Martin is an average player in a very average side....will no doubt improve though when he leaves town like quite a few others recently...!!
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