CITY striker Chris Martin has won the accolade of Coca-Cola League Young Player of the Month for January in The Times newspaper's football supplement, The Game.
Martin overcame competition from hundreds of young starlets throughout the Football League to win the award, and the 21-year-old was pleased to be honoured in this way: "I'm delighted to get the award and the recognition I suppose for the hard work I've put in and it's an added bonus to pick up awards like this, as well as winning games and scoring goals.
"I enjoyed the month a lot, I've obviously scored a few goals and the team has won six out of six games in January so it was a great run for the team and for me personally which is pleasing."
Former professional and current Football League Youth Development Officer Phil Stant, added: "The Coca-Cola League Player of the Month Award was introduced to highlight the success and excellence of the youth development programme in the Football League. We're absolutely delighted that Chris Martin has been chosen for that and Chris has been chosen from 260 under-21 players from throughout the leagues through last month."
In presenting the award to Martin, City Boss Paul Lambert said: "He's been terrific since I've been here, you tend to forget he's only 21. His goals have been a major help.
"He's one of the most natural finishers I've seen in a long time. I'm delighted with his performances and delighted he's got the award."
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Manager Paul Lambert
presents striker Chris Martin with his award
Each month, the honour is awarded by The Football League to the young player who has made the most significant contribution and impact in first team football. To be eligable the player must be either under 21 years of age or be playing in the season during which he turns 21.
The inaugural award was for December 2009 when the then Crystal Palace forward Victor Moses was named the winner.
Each season, Football League clubs invest more than £40m on identifying, training and educating the next generation of football talent. Around a third of this money (£12.6m) is provided by the Football Association and Premier League. There are 8,700 young players registered with League clubs making Football League youth development the largest centrally co-ordinated young player programme in world football.
Beccles-born Chris Martin came through the Norwich City Academy to break into the first team in 2007 and has scored 19 goals so far this season, five of them coming in the month of January, which helped the Canaries reach the top of League One winning six out of six games in the month.
Watch Canaries Player for full interviews with Chris Martin and Phil Stant.
