LEE Martin, so desperate to force his way back in the Ipswich Town starting line-up, believes that the FA Cup is wide open this season.

Carl Marston

by Carl Marston

LEE Martin, so desperate to force his way back in the Ipswich Town starting line-up, believes that the FA Cup is wide open this season.

Winger Martin has endured a frustrating last three months, during which he has been overlooked by manager Roy Keane.

Until last Saturday's brief appearance as an injury-time substitute - he was introduced as a 92nd minute replacement for Owen Garvan against Coventry, and yet bizarrely was on the pitch when two goals were scored in the 3-2 win - Martin's previous outing had been the goalless home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on November 21.

After eight games of non-activity, Martin was at least grateful for a few minutes action against the Sky Blues.

And the 22-year-old is hoping for a few more minutes at Southampton tomorrow, especially as he reckons Town have a great chance of going all the way in the FA Cup.

"Anyone can win the FA Cup this year," revealed Martin.

"It will be very interesting if we can get on a good Cup run. Can Ipswich win it? I say why not?"

Both Manchester United and Liverpool were toppled in round three, at the hands of Leeds and Reading respectively, and a few more of the bigger guns might fall this weekend.

A summer signing from Manchester United, Martin was in the squad for each of Town's first 13 league games, but since then has only appeared twice in the last 12 league fixtures.

Now he has a message for Town fans.

"They have not seen the best of me. I have not been able to pick up where I left off last season," said Martin.

"But I've still got ability, you don't lose that. I will be working twice as hard now to get back into the manager's plans.

"When I first came to Ipswich, I expected to be a regular. At the time, I went where I thought I was going to play regularly, but it hasn't quite happened.

"But I've never regretted the decision to sign for Ipswich. You should never regret anything you do.

"I've always had my doubters, but I have a strong belief in my ability. I have the determination to turn it around," concluded Martin.

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