LEE Martin is convinced Ipswich Town can beat Newcastle United on Saturday and avoid their worst ever start to a season.

Elvin King

LEE Martin is convinced Ipswich Town can beat Newcastle United on Saturday and avoid their worst ever start to a season.

The Blues midfielder scored his first goal since his �1million-plus transfer from Manchester United in the summer in the 3-3 draw with Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

“We showed a lot of heart,” said Martin. “If we show the same desire and dedication against Newcastle we should come away from the game with a result.”

During Jackie Milburn's reign in 1964/65, Ipswich had three points from eight matches before winning 4-2 at Middlesbrough in their ninth Division Two fixture.

This term manager Roy Keane has led the Blues to four draws from eight games, and the speedy Martin gave a hint as to why it is taking time for the Irish legend to find any wins this campaign.

“As players we now understand a bit more about the manager, and he has now got us going,” explained Martin.

“We will be better for the display at Doncaster, and the understanding is coming from the training ground.

“It is only matter of time before our results turn and when it does it will be brilliant.

“We began on the back foot on Saturday, but at the final whistle we were disappointed that we hadn't claimed the three points that we vitally needed.

“We may not be the best footballing team, but there is bags of character and we are slowly getting there.

“The goals we conceded at the weekend we will have to look at and see where the mistakes came that led to the goals.

“Grant Leadbitter is a talented young lad, and the other transfer window late signings have also given us a big boost.”

Martin has revealed that he got the final touch to the Blues' early goal in the 1-1 home draw against Nottingham Forest last Tuesday.

He explained: “I promised goals when I came and it was nice to get on the score sheet against Doncaster.

“I got the last touch last Tuesday when Grant Leadbitter's effort spun off me into the net.

“I'm happy to let him have it and will not be going to the dubious goals panel.

“If you ask Granty I'm sure he'll let on the truth, but it made Saturday's goal more pleasing for me.

“To be honest I can't remember much about it. I stood there in case the ball found me, and when it went into the net I thought it was going to bring us three points.”