Martin determined to have successful season with Derby

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Derby County striker Chris Martin is determined to have a successful season with the club after spending last season on loan at Fulham.

The former Norwich and Crystal Palace striker, 28, was ever-present for much of last season under Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic, but tried to force a return to the Rams following Steve McClaren’s re-appointment.

Martin’s return to his parent club failed to materialise, but the controversy did hamper his form and meant he lost his regular starting spot in the Fulham side, but he is now back at the iPro having signed a new contract and is focused on having a fruitful 2017-18 campaign.

Speaking to Derby’s official website, the striker said: “After the disappointment of last season and how it went on the field, this season is a big one for me personally.

“I’m 28 years old and I feel like I am in as good a condition that I’ve been in. There’s no reason why I can’t replicate or even better what I have done before.”

In total, Martin has scored 63 goals in 160 appearances for the Rams, and finished as the club’s top-scorer in 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16.

While some fans have doubted the striker’s ability to rediscover that sort of form in front of goal, Martin disagrees and said: “I can’t wait to get started and maybe prove a few people wrong, and also prove to myself it’s still in me.

“I know it’s in there and when you’ve had a disappointing season, the desire and drive is reignited even more inside you to go and put it right I suppose.”