giblet Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 By Owen Phillips & Owen BradleyBBC Sport Chris Martin is revelling in the responsibility of being the Championship's Diego Costa. The Derby County striker chuckles at the comparison with his Chelsea counterpart prior to Tuesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final. But both are spearheading their respective team's magnificent start to the season as a lone striker in a tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 system, both are in superb goalscoring form, both are 26 years old, and both are yet to convince at international level. And, having found the net 14 times already this season, Beccles-born Scotland striker Martin is actually outscoring the 13-goal Brazilian-born Spain centre-forward. "It's a massive compliment," Martin told BBC Sport when the similarities in their job was pointed out. "I really like the way he plays and the passion he has got for the game." Rams roleMartin's role at Derby has been every bit as vital as Costa's much-heralded contribution at Stamford Bridge, leading the line, allowing others to break from midfield with confidence, and helping the team recover from the disappointment of last season's play-off final failure. Costa is unlikely to start at the iPro Stadium, with Didier Drogba or Loic Remy expected to deputise as the main striker. But he is in the squad and the "Costa" role remains the same whether he starts or not. And it is something Martin identifies with - and appreciates. "We are both rough-and-tumble centre-forwards," Martin said. "He's a focal point. A lot of things go through him. They rely on him to hold the ball up and he is very, very, very good at that. He gets them going forward and moves them up the pitch. "If I can have even a little bit of the success he has had over recent years then I will be more than happy." Derby's focal point Chelsea's leaderName: Christopher Hugh Martin Age: 26 Born: Beccles, Suffolk Height: 6ft 1ins Clubs: Norwich City and Derby County plus Luton, Crystal Palace, Swindon Town (all loan) Last transfer fee: Free transfer League goals this season: 12 League goals last season: 22 Name: Diego da Silva Costa Age: 26 Born: Lagarto, Brazil Height: 6ft 2ins Clubs: Atletico Madrid, Chelsea plus Braga, Celta Vigo, Albacete, Valladolid, Real Vallecano (loan) Last transfer fee: £32m League goals this season: 12 Goals last season: 27 Costa's 12 goals in 13 Premier League appearances have taken the Blues to the top of the table, they are through to the Champions League knockout stages as group winners and into a last-eight League Cup tie against Martin's Derby side. The Rams have dropped from top to third in the league after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at in-form Middlesbrough. But their system means the similarities between the sides run much deeper than impressive early-season form. "I enjoy the responsibility that I have to help the team and hold the ball up," Scotland international Martin said. "How we play with one main striker is something I have never done before but it has suited me and the squad. "The team relies on me a little bit - and to get the goals as well. Since I have been here I have thrived on that. I am not sure why that is the case but something has clicked." Flying the nestA succession of loan deals preceded a full-time move away from Norwich City last summer. After 14 years at Carrow Road he admitted it was a wrench to leave but said the transition was "easier than he imagined". "It felt strange to start with because from the age of 10 to 24 I only had one permanent club," Martin added. "I lived 20 minutes down the road, everything was quite good for me and I probably would have stayed much longer if the stars were aligned. But that was not the case and I was very lucky Derby picked me up. It's another massive club." It was also made a great deal smoother by working for Rams head coach Steve McClaren. Martin credits Derby head coach Steve McClaren with helping him develop as a "rough-and-tumble" centre forward "He has taught me a lot," said Martin, who grabbed 25 goals last term. "He has been a great help, for me and the whole squad. "The manager realised the personnel that he had so that's why he changed the shape when he came in. It suited us with Bryso [Craig Bryson], Will [Hughes] and Jeff [Hendrick] getting forward, and the wingers as well. "He is really in it for the players; he wants to improve us. He tells us that all the time; that is the reason why he is here. "He is very good psychologically as well; he knows what to say and when to say it. He has really added to my game and has given me the responsibility to express myself. "I don't feel any pressure from him or any of the coaching staff. There is real belief in the players and that shows." Derby's DiegoBBC Radio Derby summariser and former Rams midfielder Craig Ramage "They're both goalscorers, they're both physical players who make their teams tick and they link the play. Last season showed Chelsea needed a striker like that and look where they are now they've got one. He's in a good side with good players, but he's the man who gets the goals. It's the same at Derby, with the likes of Craig Bryson, Will Hughes, Johnny Russell and Jamie Ward. The talent is there, but Martin is the man who makes it all work." Playing without pressure will be a rare pleasure. A Chelsea side with just one defeat in all competitions this season will be strongly fancied to reach the semi-finals. "It will be a little bit strange being a big underdog," Martin said. "Most of the games - because of how we have started - we are favourites or equal favourites. It could be good because we can express ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe." International strugglesAs for Costa, certain similarities with Martin also extend to international football. Costa had a miserable World Cup, looking shorn of match sharpness in a struggling side. Martin, who qualifies for Scotland through his father, has won a total of five international caps since making his debut. But his first start - in the 3-1 home defeat against England last month - did not go well. And Martin led the criticism, describing his own efforts as the "worst he had played for a very long time". "We didn't play well and I didn't have a great game. I was subbed at half-time and I tried to give an honest assessment," Martin explained. But Scotland boss Gordon Strachan was more positive. "I spoke to him a couple of days after," Martin said. "He said 'just keep doing what you are doing. You are in our thoughts. You will get another chance - don't worry'." A goal or two and a 'Costa-like display' against Chelsea would go some way to convincing the doubters Martin can play at the highest level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Return of Yermaw Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 He was mince against England. As back up would much rather have the energy of May and Russell than the lumbering Martin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parklife Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 He can trap a fitba further than i can kick it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumnio Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Martin is, and I genuinely mean this, one of the worst Scotland strikers I have ever seen, and that includes the likes of Kevin Kyle and Scott Dobie. He may somehow score goals for Derby, but he just isnt good enough in any way for Scotland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanderer Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 England was probably his first real chance to show what he can do, but not been impressed with him at any point he has played for Scotland (probably his shot on goal v Ireland all he has done). From what have seen of him at club level, I can see why Strachan would be interested in him, but just does not look cut out for international football. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningtings Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 He's not good enough for Scotland, simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bannannan Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Biggest difference is Costa knocks the opposition over not the other way round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robroysboy Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Jury is out on him, if Strachan thinks he deserves a place in the squad he must see something we don't ( from the comments above). In GORD we trust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanderer Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Biggest difference is Costa knocks the opposition over not the other way round. That was clear in Poland..... Strachan said he was brought into the squad for his ability to hold the ball up and his eye for goal, yet for someone who was brought on fresh midway through the 2nd half of the game he was outran for every ball and pushed off the ball every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumnio Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I didnt want Strachan as boss, I didnt think he would succeed. I was of course totally wrong, but he still does things that seem strange, as long as the results continue being good, he will get away with all the strange things, however if the wind changes, then things like Martin being played will become an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robroysboy Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I didnt want Strachan as boss, I didnt think he would succeed. I was of course totally wrong, but he still does things that seem strange, as long as the results continue being good, he will get away with all the strange things, however if the wind changes, then things like Martin being played will become an issue. Who would you have went for ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumnio Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I wanted Lagerback to be honest, I dont feel it has to be a Scotsman to do the job. I am now in the Strachan fan club, he has been brilliant for us, and long may it continue. The usual Scottish names linked with it, wasnt exactly exciting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robroysboy Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I wanted Lagerback to be honest, I dont feel it has to be a Scotsman to do the job. I am now in the Strachan fan club, he has been brilliant for us, and long may it continue. The usual Scottish names linked with it, wasnt exactly exciting. Alls well that ends well, we are on course for qualifying for a first major tournament since 1998. Feels starnge to still be in contention at the turn of the year. Leviene had us out of contention after the first two (homes) games. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudScot Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoltanBuchan Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 My one and only criticism of Strachan's tenure so far has to be his preference for Martin over Rhodes. For example, the chance Martin missed about 5 or 10 minutes before we scored against Ireland, Rhodes would have buried. I'd even be tempted to start with Rhodes against Gibraltar, formation permitting, because he appears to be the sort of striker who could bag 3 or 4 against vastly inferior opposition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PASTA Mick Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Yeah, I don't get how Martin keeps getting called. However, his goal scoring record is impressive. It would be interesting to see if he could keep scoring next year if Derby get promoted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynnyboy Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Chris Martin is a shite Roddy Grant. A poor, poor player. Seen him play for Derby many times now and extremely rarely impressed despite having an uncanny knack of scoring goals. Can not ever see a day when he'll be good enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasMc1973 Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 is he the fat lump of shite that came on the last couple of games, would rather play costa coffee up front Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JECK Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Was surprised just how poor he was v England. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotsgary1 Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Martin is, and I genuinely mean this, one of the worst Scotland strikers I have ever seen, and that includes the likes of Kevin Kyle and Scott Dobie. He may somehow score goals for Derby, but he just isnt good enough in any way for Scotland. Aye agree. Scores goals for Derby cause they playing like a team,but sadly in the championship NOT internationals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotsgary1 Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Was surprised just how poor he was v England. I wasnt !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COLT NY Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 He says himself that he was terrible against England, so it could be that we have just seen the worst of him and maybe he does have something to offer. That said, I thought he was useless against ROI as well. All things being right he really should fall down the pecking order before getting another chance to prove himself at this level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotsgary1 Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 He says himself that he was terrible against England, so it could be that we have just seen the worst of him and maybe he does have something to offer. That said, I thought he was useless against ROI as well. All things being right he really should fall down the pecking order before getting another chance to prove himself at this level. My mate Derby season ticket holder goes home and away for years. I asked him about Martin last year even he didnt rate him. Jonny Russell there man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gala Tartan Army (Borders) Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Have to agree with all the comments about Chris Martin . He has no first ,second or third touch and lacks pace . Not a good target man . Time to give Jordan Rhodes another chance ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girvanTA Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I would like to see him given another chance, same as rhodes v NI or Gibraltar, 2 perfect games to try fresh blood/systems to work with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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