Chris Martin Expresses Confidence in Replicating Prolific Form for Rovers

Bristol Rovers forward Chris Martin has expressed his “confidence” in his ability to replicate the performance level which led to him scoring 16 goals in the previous season, following his comeback to the team after an extended period sidelined by injury. His appearances for the club this season total only five, subsequent to sustaining a broken fibula from a “freak” injury on August 29. He participated for 49 minutes in their EFL Trophy defeat to Exeter and 79 minutes in the FA Cup first round victory over Weston-super-Mare last Saturday, anticipating a potential league comeback this weekend when they face Lincoln. “I still am very confident I’m able to produce that same form again this season as I was last season and hopefully I’ll prove them right very soon,” Martin conveyed to BBC Radio Bristol. “I think for me it’s about continuing to try to perform in training, keep getting the reps in, keep getting the habit of scoring goals and then I think that will get taken into games.” The 36-year-old, who was Rovers’ leading goal-scorer in the previous season, also sat out the opening match of the 2024-25 campaign because of a four-game suspension that extended into the current season. He characterized his period away from play as “frustrating,” but confirmed his current state as “totally fit.” “It was a bit of an innocuous challenge, probably something I’ve seen or been involved with a few times and just so happened to crack my leg,” he further elaborated. “It was frustrating but at the same time it wasn’t a muscle injury where you think it was preventable or there’s an issue here or there.”It was maybe a little bit easier to deal with but I guess it depends on the perspective. “It was a bit of a freak, not really too preventable, so just have to get on with it, get the rehab going – which was tough because I could do so little to begin with. Once the bone was healed up in terms of returning to play it went quite quickly.” Rovers’ performance this season has shown variability, and they are scheduled to play Lincoln on Saturday, having recorded three victories and three defeats in their most recent six league fixtures. The Gas have accumulated 15 goals across 13 matches, placing them 15th in League One, with Scott Sinclair, Promise Omochere, and Jamie Lindsay currently leading their scoring with two goals apiece. Manager Matt Taylor indicated that his team requires Martin to be prepared. “He’s still after a bit of the sharpness and the movement that he’s used to but great to have him fit and available,” Taylor commented. “The challenge will be can we keep him fit and available and get him back to his best form by giving him the service that he needs.”