Former Norwich City striker Chris Martin admits it was tough to see his boyhood club relegated from the Premier League, as he bids to take the Canaries place with play-off chasing Derby.

The 25-year-old rifled two goals in the Rams' 6-2 aggregate success over Brighton to earn them a Wembley date against QPR in the Championship play-off final later this month. Martin has been a revelation in the East Midlands this season, scoring 25 goals in 50 appearances, after completing a permanent move following his release from the club where he spent more than a decade.

'I was sorry to see Norwich get relegated. I've got a big affection for the club and a lot of good people work there - and still play there - who I know well,' he said. 'I'm disappointed for them, because they've obviously not quite been good enough this season. But I think they've got the resources and the playing staff to bounce back. So, hopefully, they can do that.'

Martin may have cause for a double celebration if Derby can edge past QPR, with the striker also in line for his international debut at the end of this month after a first-ever call-up to the Scotland squad.

'Although it might surprise a few people, I am Scottish and it comes through my Dad, who was born in Glasgow and lived there until he was in his twenties,' he said. 'It is an honour for me to be honest although it has been a little while to get to this stage. Of course there have been tough times for me. I have been out on loan and there are times when you doubt yourself, not getting into the squad at the club you are signed to. I have had to move my young family around the country searching for football, but I needed to do it, and prove to people I can play higher up.'