Norwich defence secure, says Martin

Norwich City defender Russell Martin has paid tribute to team-mates Sebastian Bassong and Leon Barnett due to their centre-back form.

Since being thrashed 5-0 by Fulham in their opening game of the season, Chris Hughton’s side have made a vast improvement; drawing with QPR, Tottenham and West Ham and earning their first clean sheet in the latter game.

The 26-year-old has been shifted to right-back for the Canaries following Bassong’s arrival from Tottenham and Barnett’s promotion to a more prominent role under the new boss.

However, despite their success coming at his expense, the Brighton-born defender has hailed the duo’s qualities and understanding in central defence,

“Seb has done really well,” he told reporters.

“He found it a bit hard at Tottenham because of the finances they have there to get in players. But their loss is our gain.

“He’s a big, strong athlete and he likes to talk as well. It helps, he likes to chat, he’s a good character and he’s done really well.

“Credit to Leon Barnett as well for coming in the way he has the last couple of games. I think he’s been brilliant. He’s had a chance to come back in and he has taken it, grabbed it with both hands.

“They’ve worked really well together and I hope it will continue.”

Norwich’s back-line will be tested by the double threat of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba when they travel to Newcastle to face Alan Pardew’s men on Sunday.