Blues boss Paul Jewell says winger Lee Martin is back in the fold having spent a week training with the U18s in the wake of his second sending off under Paul Jewell’s management. The Town manager made his frustration at Martin’s poor disciplinary record public after the former Manchester United man’s dismissal for a reckless challenge at Peterborough.
Jewell says he has talked with Martin, who was sent off at Bristol City at the end of last season and was booked 11 times during 2010/11, and the matter is now closed: "I spoke with Lee about it. I don’t like slating players publicly, it’s not what I want to do, but I felt I might get a positive reaction out of him.
"He let us down, let himself down, let everyone down, but that’s been dealt with. He had a week’s sabbatical training with the youth team and his attitude in that week was outstanding, [U18s coach] Russell Osman told me.
"At the end of the day, I said what I said and he knows what I feel about the situation, I’ve been straight with him. I don’t like saying it to the media, but I did because I was angry at the time and felt that was maybe the best way to get a reaction. Only time will tell.
"Lee’s a good player but he’s got to curb his discipline, he’s no good to us sitting in the stands.”
Martin, who is available again after his three-match ban, probably won’t get the chance to return to the side this weekend due to illness: "He’s had tonsillitis for the last two days and he’s been told to stay away as we don’t want that spreading around the camp.
"Like any player, if they’re giving their best and they’re fit then they’ll be considered, but I think Lee knows where he stands with me now if he didn’t know before.”