Canaries duo get Martin backing

Russell Martin claims Norwich's fortunes this term could rest on the blossoming partnership between Leon Barnett and Sebastien Bassong.

Martin has found himself moved out to the right-back spot by Chris Hughton this season as the Canaries chief wanted to pair up former fringe man Barnett with Bassong, who was drafted in from Tottenham during the summer transfer window. And, despite the opening day 5-0 thrashing at Fulham, Martin feels the first clean sheet of the season in the 0-0 draw against West Ham last Saturday is a sign that the central defensive pairing is starting to click. Martin, who operates down the right with Javier Garrido opposite him at left-back, said: "Seb has done really well. He found it a bit hard at Tottenham because of the finances they have there to get in players. But their loss is our gain. "He's a big, strong athlete and he likes to talk as well. It helps, he likes to chat, he's a good character and he's done really well. "Credit to Leon Barnett as well for coming in the way he has the last couple of games. I think he's been brilliant. He's had a chance to come back in and he has taken it, grabbed it with both hands. "They've worked really well together and I hope it will continue."