Aaron Martin has backed the squad to step up in the absence of Leon Clarke...
Coventry City defender Aaron Martin has backed the entire squad to fill the boots of striker Leon Clarke.
The 29-year old, who has scored 21 goals this season, was ruled out for the rest of the season this week with an operation on his ankle scheduled for Monday.
Callum Wilson came off the bench to net his first goal for the Sky Blues against Colchester United in midweek and captain Carl Baker scored the all-important equaliser in added time.
Martin admits it is a blow to see Clarke sidelined but believes there is enough quality in the squad to continue scoring goals in the remaining eight games of the season.
The Saints loanee said: “As we saw against Colchester, we create a lot of chances throughout the game but were unlucky not to finish them off.
“It is just the way it goes sometimes as we dominated the whole game but ended up getting a draw which was probably not what we deserved.
“I wouldn’t say it is a worry losing Leon (Clarke) as we have got a lot of good players here who have shown how ruthless they are this season.
“We should be fine because we scored two goals without Leon (Clarke) and as long as we are working hard, it shouldn’t be an issue.”
The draw with Colchester United puts City six points outside the play-off places and Martin says the squad’s main focus will be to get maximum points in the last eight games.
He added: “The statistics from the game was incredible. We had some of the best passing rates and we kept our heads up to get a point.
“We need to keep that mentality throughout the rest of the season. There are eight games left and we need to make sure we are on top of our game.
“It is our only focus. The squad is confident and there is a good spirit at the club. It is up to us and the play-offs are within reaching distance.”