Obafemi Martins in 'dreamland' after Carling Cup win

John Curtis,Pa
Monday 28 February 2011 06:32 EST
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Birmingham's on-loan striker Obafemi Martins admits he is in "dreamland" after scoring the last gasp Carling Cup final winner over Arsenal at Wembley.

Martins enabled Blues to win only the second major trophy in their history when he cashed in on a defensive error with only one minute of normal time remaining to seal a 2-1 win.

The former Newcastle player only joined City on loan from Rubin Kazan a month ago but he has already ensured his place in the club's folklore.

Martins had been on the pitch just six minutes when he scored his close-range winner after Nikola Zigic's early goal had been cancelled out by Gunners skipper Robin van Persie.

Martins said: "The fans are very happy that we've won, and winning a trophy is one of the best feelings in the world.

"I think it is not easy coming here when the team did a lot to get to the final.

"I have to give them the credit but I'm very happy to have my played my part in the final and to have scored because we played very well.

"I get told I will be a legend with fans. I don't know about that. I just want to play my football and be happy."

Martins added: "I have scored a lot of important goals but I'm glad to take a trophy with one of the easiest goals of my career.

"As a striker, you just need to hope something might happen.

"I have to be in there to see what is going to happen. A mistake is made and I scored!

"I know it is an easy goal but I have to take my time to score because there are a lot of fans watching and I don't want to let them down."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish hailed Birmingham's success as his "greatest achievement" as a manager.

McLeish enjoyed plenty of success north of the border with Rangers when he was part of a two-horse race for trophies with Celtic.

But he helped Blues overcome their tag as underdogs to topple Arsene Wenger's side.

McLeish said: "Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement.

"With Glasgow Rangers I was expected to win trophies, albeit even though it is difficult against Celtic.

"To come to England for a club like Birmingham to beat the might of Arsenal is a dream come true.

"It is especially so for the fans who have had a long wait, those long-suffering Blues fans.

"No one gave us a prayer, we were underdogs. But sometimes the bookies don't get it right.

"After the goal I really did have the vision of the cup in my hands."

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