CHRIS MARTIN has pulled out of Fulham’s Championship game tonight – and wants to go back to Derby immediately.

The Scottish striker will not face Reading this evening and has told the west London club he wants his loan spell to end.

3 Chris Martin's days at Fulham could be numbered as he has asked to leave the club Credit: Reuters

Martin, 28, is on loan at Fulham for all of this season after being allowed to leave Derby by former boss Nigel Pearson.

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But the former Norwich forward, who has scored seven goals in his last 11 games, is desperate to return to the midlands for family reasons while he is also keen to link up again with Steve McClaren.

3 Martin was a popular figure among Derby fans, who were shocked to see him loaned out Credit: Action Images

All three parties – Derby, Fulham and Martin – must agree to cut short the loan spell.

Fulham, who appear unable to offer Martin a permanent deal, are currently unwilling to end the loan so the player is now looking to force the move.

Derby fans were stunned that Martin was allowed to leave after scoring 55 League goals in 132 starts.

Martin initially struggled to win over the Cottages supporters after a slow start in west London.

3 Derby boss Steve McLaren could have some extra firepower for their play-off challenge Credit: Reuters

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The on-loan Scottish striker appeared off the pace and took six games to get off the mark.

But Martin found his feet to silence the snipers and put him in line for a £7million permanent move from Derby in January.

However, that window has now slammed shut, and it could be an interesting few days for all concerned.