Originally signed from Carnoustie Panmure as an inside forward, Martin was converted into a goalkeeper during his period of National Service.
He made his Aberdeen debut in his new position in a 3–1 defeat by East Fife in 1949–50, scoring an own goal when he fumbled a last minute cross into his net.
The latter years of his time at Pittodrie saw Martin fall victim to a succession of injuries and after making only four appearances during the season, he retired at the end of the 1959–60 campaign.
Martin was chosen to represent the Scottish Football League in 1952 and two years later earned his first full Scotland cap in a 1–0 win against Norway, making his debut alongside Dons teammates Paddy Buckley and George Hamilton.
Martin was recalled for games against Hungary and England in late 1954 and early 1955 but on each occasion Scotland lost heavily (4–2 and 7–2 respectively) and his international career was effectively over.