Admittedly Chris Martin didn't have his best game on Saturday but encouragingly he battled against a well organised and physically imposing Leicester defence. With three matches now under his belt for Derby, in my opinion Chris Martin has been a shining light for the Rams in the early stages of the 2013/14 season.

Signs are good that Martin could prove an integral signing if the club holds aspirations of a top 6 tilt but it’s fair to say he didn’t get the pulses racing in his loan stint last season. Chris did however, show some grit and desire with small snippets of quality.

It was this patchy form that meant most Rams fans weren’t jumping for joy when the club announced him as a permanent signing following his release from Norwich City.

Of the matches I attended in pre-season he showed immense strength and linked up well with his team mates but the question was could he continue this form and improve on it for the new season? From what I have seen - the answer so far is a resounding yes!

Starting the season ahead of Conor Sammon in attack - his performances to date has justified this decision with the striker’s positioning and awareness to be admired.

I mentioned his strength but as well as that, the 24-year-old proved his finishing prowess — which was on display for all to enjoy in the victory at Brighton.

The most prolific season Martin has had so far came in League One for Norwich when Martin finished the 2009—10 season with 23 goals in 48 appearances. These goals played a massive part in returning the Canaries to the top flight and no doubt Nigel Clough will be hoping he can recapture that form to do the same for Derby. He’s proving to be a great bit of business on a free. It also shows how beneficial the loan market can be, a ‘try before you buy’ kind of deal.

After initially being sceptical, he is clearly proving to supporters that he is going to be an imperative player for the Rams in 2013/14.

For more of Nathan's articles visit his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him @NathansRamsBlog on Twitter.

Photo: Action Images

HarryStorer added 14:37 - Aug 20 The boy has real talent and if he can recapture the form he had with Norwich he could lead the push. I have been really impressed as he gets into good positions and he likes to shoot which other Rams could learn from!
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WanChopeTwoChop added 14:53 - Aug 20 I'm not sold on him yet but like the way he goes about it. 20+ goals and I will buy in!! :)
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