A graduate of the Sunderland academy and boyhood Black Cats fan, Martyn Waghorn made his first team debut for the club against Manchester United in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light in 2007, and went on to make a further five appearances.

In 2008 he went out on loan to Charlton Athletic, who were then playing in the Championship. Waghorn made four league appearances, scoring one goal for the Addicks.

The following year, Martyn joined Leicester City on a six-month loan deal and managed to score the equaliser against Swansea City after coming on to make his debut as a second-half substitute.

Waghorn continued to impress in the blue of City throughout the 2009/10 campaign and manager Nigel Pearson extended his loan deal until the end of the season.

Waggy cemented himself as a firm Foxes fans' favourite due to his energetic displays and the dedication he showed to the shirt, scoring 12 league goals in 28 appearances during his loan season.

In the summer of 2010 former City boss, Paulo Sousa parted with a reported £3m to bring Waghorn to the Club on a permanent deal.

With first team opportunities at a premium during his second season on Filbert Way, he was allowed to join Championship side Hull City on loan on transfer deadline day in August 2011.