Fred missed out on the first two home internationals of the 1954-55 season but was recalled for the Hampden visit of World Cup finalists Hungary in December 1954. The Scots did not do too badly in going down 4-2 and Fred did his standing no harm. Alas for Fred a Wembley disaster against England lay just round the corner. Ironically for the big keeper 2 April 1954 was a happy occasion for his Aberdeen team mates as they put Rangers to the sword 4-0 at Pittodrie to all but clinch the club's first ever championship triumph. For Fred, however, it was a miserable day as the Auld Enemy crushed the Scots 7-2 at Wembley.

Fred Martin had joined the Dons in October 1946 as an inside-forward but during his national service he tried his hand at goalkeeping and found he had a natural talent for the position. On his return to Pittodrie Fred continued in his new found spot as last line of defence and by the start of the 1950-51 season he had become the No.1 choice goalkeeper at the club. As a keeper Fred had a great ability to read a game and he was not afraid to use his big frame to his advantage.

In 1952 he was capped by the Scottish League before his promotion to the full international side in May 1954. The big keeper was a popular and familiar figure between the sticks at Pittodrie throughout the 1950s and was a key member of the double trophy winning side over the mid fifties period. Fred also played in three losing Dons Scottish Cup final sides in 1953, 1954 and 1959. In his latter days at Pittodrie Fred's career was badly marred by injury and he announced his retirement in 1960.