BEN MARTIN has made a towering leap but not the sort you immediately associate with a footballer who stands six feet seven inches in his bare feet.

The 20-year-old central defender, who played in last night's 5-0 victory at Wantage Town, is quite adept at out-jumping opposing strikers. It is now a question of whether he can bridge the divide between the non-League ranks and Division Two.

Andy King sees Martin as a raw talent and is keen to finalise a deal to keep the defender at the club - whether on a month-to-month, three month or one year deal.

Whatever the contract, having to mark the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Manchester United's young stars at the County Ground is quite a contrast from Harpenden Town Reserves.

Martin then spent the latter part of the 2002-3 season with Ryman Premier League side Aylesbury United, where King spotted him.

Spotted is probably not quite right as the Town boss is good friends with the Martin family and has followed the youngster's progress from the age of 10.

However, Martin knows there is no room for sentiment in football and he is not expecting any from King.

He said: "He is not going to be my friend when it comes to work. I am here to work hard, to learn and to try and progress.

"Andy King has faith in me, being 6ft 7ins probably helps and I'm quick over the first 10 or 15 yards for a big lad."

Martin, who has been working as a personal trainer, has already seen his professional dreams dashed once and he is determined to grasp the second opportunity presented to him.

He said: "I was at Luton Town when I was 16. I ruptured the cruciate ligament in my knee and didn't play football again for two years.

"That is a crucial period in a footballer's development and I thought my chance had gone.

"So I went to college, kept myself fit, started playing again and here I am."

Martin knows there are no guarantees on offer from King , and he said: "I have to give it a year. If it doesn't work out it doesn't work out. What I don't want is a 'what if' scenario on my hands when I eventually look back on my time here.

"All I can do is try to grasp the opportunity with both hands."