Both men insisted there had not been a row when Martyn opted out of the games in China, Melbourne and Bangkok. But it has become clear that the England No.2 gave himself an insurmountable handicap.
Venables said then: 'What has happened is not going to be helpful to Nigel. We haven't fallen out over this but he has to realise he hasn't helped himself. He has given Paul Robinson a great opportunity to show what he can do.' By the time Martyn forced his way into a 45-minute appearance against Rangers at Ibrox last week, Robinson had cemented the spot he had yearned for since his heady duel with Rivaldo captured the Champions League headlines in 2000.
Leeds were also conscious that the highly-rated Robinson could become restless the longer his inevitable
promotion was delayed, and feared he might be tempted to move on two years after his magnificent performances in Leeds' run to the Champions League semi-finals.
His qualities have brought interest from both Manchester United, who must soon replace Fabien Barthez, and Liverpool, who went for Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland after being discouraged from pursuing Robinson.
Venables will allow Martyn's sale to go ahead but is preparing to chase a replacement before the transfer deadline at the end of the month. Robinson needs competition and former manager David O'Leary had planned to keep Martyn to ease his successor through the changeover this season. Australian Danny Milosevic is the current third choice at Elland Road but is in the final year of his contract.
