City defender enjoying training after first day in Austria

NORWICH City defender Russell Martin has wasted no time getting back into the swing of things after the first day of a pre-season training camp in Austria.

The Scottish international, along with the whole squad, have been put through their paces by new Manager Chris Hughton and his coaching staff in the Austrian sunshine, and for Martin it has been an enjoyable experience.

He told Canaries Player: "It feels like we've been back for a while already because the lads look really fit and sharp for this stage in pre-season.

"It was raining last night, but then the sun came out while we were training. It's a good start and it's going to be a good week I think. The facilities here are fantastic.

"It was a tough first session, but we used the footballs which means the lads didn't mind it.

"I think you expect that when you come back for the first two or three weeks it's going to be full days. You work hard, put the effort in, and hopefully you'll get your reward.

"Obviously when we're back the games come pretty thick and fast so it's a good time to get the lads back together and enjoy each other's company."

City's pre-season schedule begins on Saturday, July 21 with a friendly against German side Hertha Berlin in Austria, before a trip to Glasgow to face Celtic next week.

Martin believes that the trip to Austria could be just what the squad needs to help prepare them for what will undoubtedly be tough tests ahead.

He added: "There has been lots of possession and technical work which can only improve you as players.

"I think the lads are really excited to see how the season develops, but at the minute the sessions have been really sharp and really high intensity, and that's what we're used to.

"Every manager has his own way of doing things, but I think the lads are really enjoying it.

"It's a great set of lads here now, I've said it over and over again, the banter is fantastic, and as the week goes on I'm sure we'll have more stories to share and more laughs.

"We need this week really for the new lads to integrate, and they've settled in really well. It'll be a good week."