MANAGER Russell Martin admitted he is “annoyed” for Gavin Bazunu as the shot-stopper still awaits a first clean sheet of the Championship season.

The 21 year old was the subject of a passionate defence from boss Martin at the fans’ forum earlier this month after a supporter questioned the strength in the net.

Bazunu, a Republic of Ireland international, has retained his goalkeeping jersey and has repaid Martin with strong showings in 2-1 wins versus both Plymouth Argyle and QPR.

However, he did not get a shut-out in either as Ryan Hardie pummelled in from close range and Jack Colback fired in off the post from distance in the respective fixtures.

Speaking about Bazunu after the match, Martin told the Daily Echo: “I’m annoyed for him that we’ve conceded so many goals and we will have to sort that out.

“He made a couple of big saves for us against QPR and he shouldn’t have to so we will stop that but he has been great.

“He has great courage, the saves he has made and how commanding he has been has been great. By the end of the season, he is another one who will be a real favourite.”

Bazunu’s commanding defence of the area at Argyle’s home park was bettered by a top close-range save on Ilais Chair versus QPR to save Saints from going behind.

Last season, in the Premier League, Bazunu was eventually dropped by former boss Ruben Selles after accumulating goalkeeping statistics among the worst in Europe.