IPSWICH Town's Lee Martin today revealed that he has never worked so hard in his life. He is determined to get his career back on track.And the 22-year-old, who was purchased from Manchester United for �1.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's Lee Martin today revealed that he has never worked so hard in his life. He is determined to get his career back on track.

And the 22-year-old, who was purchased from Manchester United for �1.5million last summer, has promised Blues fans that he will achieve this.

Martin is set to be in manager Roy Keane's squad for tomorrow afternoon's FA Cup fourth round tie at League One Southampton (kick-off 3pm).

He returned to the first team scene with a stoppage time appearance as substitute in last weekend's 3-2 Championship success over Coventry City at Portman Road and scored in a 2-2 reserve draw on Wednesday.

Town fans have been left disappointed with Martin's contribution since his high profile move from Old Trafford, and he agreed that he has failed to reach the form he showed last season.

“Fans haven't seen the best of me. Nowhere near,” he said.

“I'm working hard to get back to my best.

“I'm doing extra training and I honestly don't think I could do any more.”

Martin insists his confidence is still high despite his time on the sidelines, and Keane expressed his satisfaction with the nippy forward-thinking player's display for the reserves in midweek.

“What has helped keep me going is the fact you don't lose your ability,” Martin went on.

“You might lose form or confidence but you don't lose ability.

“There's always doubters. I've dealt with them throughout my career, but I'm good at winning them around.

“Being criticised is part and parcel of being a footballer, but I've got that drive and determination to do well and I've got no reason to doubt myself.

“It's been a long few weeks but that's football. You just have to be professional and keep working hard.

“If you do, hopefully you'll get your rewards.”

Martin said that he has no regrets about signing for Ipswich despite the time it is taking for him to show the form he is capable of.

“I came here expecting to be a regular,” he admitted.

“It hasn't quite worked out yet, but I don't regret my decision.

“You should never regret anything you do.

“I'm here and am going to work twice as hard to get back in the manager's plans. He gives players every chance to show what they can do.”