KENNY Jackett has told News Shopper playing the waiting game was the key to landing winger Dave Martin from Crystal Palace.

The Millwall boss had been linked with Martin for some time, but the possibility of a switch appeared bleak with a week of the transfer window remaining.

However, some last-minute wrangling between the two south London clubs ensured a £50,000 deal went through on the final day of the window.

The 22-year-old winger, who was plying his trade with Dartford last season, penned a two-and-a-half year deal and scored the winning goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win against Southend on his first start for the Lions.

Jackett said: "The price slowly came down coming towards the end of the transfer window.

"It was very, very high at one stage but as we got nearer to close of the window, the price came back into our scope.

"I think he gives us natural balance and is an out-and-out left winger.

"We have Ryan Smith there who is injured, but other than him we haven't got anyone else like that on our books."

It was an impressive all round display from Martin, but his evening ended in disappointment when he had to be replaced on 70 minutes by Adrian Forbes after picking up a groin injury.

Jackett admitted Martin's departure was a blow, although overall he was delighted with the outcome of Tuesday's game.

He explained: "I was really pleased with our performance in the second half against Southend.

"The first half was even, but I think in the second half we deserved to win.

"We stepped up very well and obviously I was pleased with the result as well.

"There was a degree of frustration after the game because we've been waiting for a left-sided player to give us some balance and Dave Martin did open us up a bit that way.

"He will be out for a week to 10 days now with a groin injury, which is a bit of a frustration and it is just how things are for us at the moment."

Martin misses this Saturday's trip to Tranmere along with Zak Whitbread, who is suspended.

Paul Robinson and Marcus Bignot are both carrying minor knocks, but will travel north and are expected to be available for selection.

The Wirral side are involved in the race for the play-offs and only last month secured a 1-0 victory at The Den thanks to a late winner from Antony Kay.

It was a classic smash and grab performance from the visitors after Millwall had dominated for long periods and Jackett is hoping his side can get a result this time around.

He said: "We played very well that day and were unlucky to lose the game.

"They are sixth in the league and are a good side, but there is only so much you can do about them.

"The major focus is on us because I've no idea what Tranmere are doing this week or who they've got fit and available.

"We would love to put a run together to pull us out of the relegation issue, but it has been a similar situation all season where we tend to lose players and can't settle the team down, which is frustrating."