Lee Martin has admitted fans’ criticism bothers him but regards the views of manager Mick McCarthy and his colleagues as far more important.

Martin has failed to find the net in 33 appearances this season and his overall record of six goals in 102 outings shows he has been far from prolific in almost four years at Portman Road.

He is aware that a section of the supporters have targeted him in recent weeks, stating: “Listen, I’m not stupid. You hear things but you just get on with it.

"I’ve got broad shoulders and I’ve heard it all before. It’s the same fans who were praising me when things were going right and that’s football.

“I’m trying my hardest, that’s all I can say, but obviously I know I can do better. I still haven’t got a goal this season but at least I’m giving it my all and I keep working on things.

“I know what I’m capable of and I’m sure the goals will come. I think people have seen a different side of me because I’m having to do a bit more defending.

“If you ask the gaffer he has been pleased with me, regardless of whether or not the fans want to get on my back. I’m getting praise off the gaffer and my team-mates, most importantly, and that’s the main thing for me.

“It bothers me and it would bother anyone but I’m working hard and trying to get it right. I’ve been unlucky, certainly for the first part of the season, and you lose confidence. The main thing is that I’m trying and I’ve never thrown the towel in.

“I’m always looking to try and do something to affect the game. Maybe the fans want me to score goals and other things but as long as I’m pleasing the manager and the players around me, that’s the main thing for me.

“If I’m getting the sort of praise I am off these sort of people that’s the sort of thing I want to hear. We’re all in it together and we’re all working our socks off.

“I don’t go out not wanting to score goals. It’s a little blip that I’m having but if I can affect the game by working hard then so be it. If I didn’t score the goals and I was just walking about then I wouldn’t be helpful — but I’m always trying to affect the game.”

Photo: Action Images

Kentish_Tractor added 12:58 - Mar 1 "It's a little blip that I'm having". 14 Goals in 8 years and over 180 professional appearances? That's one hell of a little blip.
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jeffisbent added 13:14 - Mar 1 Sensible attitude given the high percentage of morons that attend games!
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whittonite added 16:38 - Mar 1 what our team needs at this time is a lynch pin player,we have three potentially in martin, jet and taylor also possibly drury.my personal view on each is,martin shows intent but very rarely puts the killer cross or ball in and needs to work with the strikers to improve finishing,jet must be frustrated as we have become in recent years more a long ball team.you can see from a mile off kick and chase is not his game!the guy came from arsenal, so you know the only player kicking it long was the keeper!and as well as martin doesnt always play the right ball...but looks more capable of doing it.we've seen taylor and how he can change the pace of our attack and looks capable of bagging a few. for me right now there is no stand out player this season at the moment. its eleven guys doing their best not to loose.we have to be rigid which can make us a bit too predictable at times.is mick bold enough to send out a formation other than 442 until we are safe. if we have this type of player in our squad you have to pick formations for these players to thrive,where would you put lionel messi in a 442...?(example)you want this kind of player to influence the game,so i think if your going to have these types of player be bold enough to choose a formation to accommodate them.....peace

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h32 added 17:55 - Mar 1 ...... all he needs is GOOD Coaching - more to the point, do we have that ?? Maybe that should be the Question - instead of keep knocking the Player - Lee Martin has more to offer than some for sure.
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TrueBlue4Eva added 19:18 - Mar 1 All well and good saying he gives 110 % but its extremely frustrating when he seems to be unable to put a decent ball in or put a decent amount of welly behind a shot. He doesnt even seem to be able to take players on anymore. I support anyone who plays in the blue though dont worry
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Fatcatevans added 19:31 - Mar 1 There's just no end product. Time for a change
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