The achievement of reaching 200 appearances at any football club is not lost on Neil Adams.

The Norwich City manager will allow Russell Martin to reach his double century at Carrow Road if, as expected, he selects the defender for today's Championship fixture against Brighton. And the City manager, who clocked up 206 appearances as a player for the Canaries, insists the occasion deserves to be a special one for his captain.

Adams said: 'It's excellent, 200 games at a club is very impressive. You have to pay tribute to him because he's an excellent professional – the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch.

'He speaks well, he leads well on the pitch as well but he's a good player. He can play in a couple of positions. I know there's a big debate and speculation about 'should he be at centre-back or should he be at right-back', but I think he's just a good footballer. He shows that when he goes on to the pitch.'

Martin has been used in both positions during his 17 appearances this season for Norwich. But it was at the heart of Scotland's defence that he shone during their recent fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and England.

It's not yet known where, or whether, the Canaries skipper will feature this afternoon but it is likely to be from the off with Adams admitting you always know what you're going to get from the committed 28-year-old.

'He plays every game in the same way, with everything he's got, for club and country. I think he's been impressive for his country in the last couple of games. He's done well as indeed the team have,' the City boss added. 'It's a great achievement for him and any plaudits he gets are fully deserved.'

Martin admits he's proud to be within touching distance of pulling on a City shirt for the 200th time.

The versatile figure said: 'To get to 200 appearances anywhere in this day and age in football is an achievement, especially at a club like this with the success we've had over the last few years.'