The Lad Can Play: David Martin

This is a frustrating time to form part of Liverpool’s reserve squad. Two FA Youth cup successes in a row and the national reserves title won with remarkable ease yet not one of the players seem to be anywhere near forming part of the senior team next season.

True Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis did make it into the side towards the end of the season but those were exceptional circumstances where there was little to play for. What is needed is for a player to really break into the side, to play fairly regularly so as to prove to the rest that it is possible.

Until that happens there will always be the doubt at the back of players’ minds as to whether they will make it or, rather, whether they will be given the opportunity to do so.

Some, however, are given signs that their presence is valued. David Martin, for instance, who has been offered an extension to his contract that will now see him stay on for an additional two years up till 2010.

It is quite a boost for the goalkeeper who has perhaps progressed more than expected. His transfer to the club back in 2006 seemed a strange one given that Liverpool already had another very promising young goalkeeper in Scott Carson. Surely if they were going to give someone an opportunity it would be to the more rated player.

Carson, however, was soon to leave for Charlton and then Aston Villa where he emerged as one of the finest English players in his position. His success made it unlikely that he was ever going to return back and accept playing second choice to Pepe Reina.

For Martin, the situation was different. Although he has played for England U20 level there is nowhere near the hype that surrounded Carson. This despite him playing very well during a spot on loan at Accrington Stanley two years back whereas the opportunity to sign a new contract is a clear indication that Benitez rates him highly.

What follows in the coming weeks will however determine how Martin’s career will pan out. One possibility is for him to go out on loan to some team where he’ll be given the opportunity to play fairly regularly. The other option could be that of staying on at Liverpool as second behind Reina.

The latter seems to be more difficult considering that Benitez has already hinted that he wants someone with experience for that. Yet Martin is rated enough for there to be the feeling that he could be relied on if none of the choices being lined up were to sign.

Indeed, he already filled into that role last season during a spell where Itandje was not available. Many would be pleased to see him do so on a more regular basis although some added experience elsewhere would be beneficial both for the club as well as for Martin himself.

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