Martin ready for Whites role

raveydavey · Martin ready for Whites role

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.c...nited-Martin-ready-for.5365081.jp

Alan Martin has urged Leeds United manager Simon Grayson to provide his first break at Elland Road by installing him as the club's number two goalkeeper next season.

The Scotland Under-21 international is hoping to secure the role of Casper Ankergren's understudy for the new League One term after long-standing second choice David Lucas departed Elland Road for Swindon Town last month.

Martin completed a year-long loan at Blue Square Premier club Barrow while Ankergren and Lucas were competing for the keeper's shirt at Leeds last season, but Lucas' exit at the end of his contract has created a vacancy in Grayson's senior squad.

Aside from Ankergren, Martin is the only professional keeper on United's books and the League One club, who are said to be interested in former Luton player Dean Brill, could attempt to recruit experienced back-up for their Danish number one this summer.

But Martin believes he is ready to climb the ladder at Elland Road after two seasons with Leeds and he is crossing his fingers for a vote of confidence from Grayson when pre-season training begins next month.

The 20-year-old told the YEP: "I've definitely improved over the last couple of years and it would be great to be the number two keeper next season.

"That's what I'm hoping for and there's obviously room in the squad now that David Lucas has been released.

"I'm sure I'll get the chance to speak to the manager when pre-season training starts and I'll tell him that I'd like to be the number two.

"I feel like I'm ready for that, but it's his decision and I'll respect whatever he says.

"I've had one good loan move already and I'd happily take another if he thinks it's a better option at this stage of my career."

Interesting comments from the lad who clearly wants to be given a crack. However, with no disrespect intended, surely a new number one 'keeper must be one of our priorities before the start of the season?