MK Dons boss wants the scalp of his former club and manager, but he knows it will be tough against Posh

Dons have beaten League One big hitters Sunderland and Charlton Athletic away from home in recent weeks, but their form at stadium:mk has been less impressive and on Saturday they were held by bottom club Burton Albion.

Current Posh manager Darren Ferguson brought Martin to London Road from Wycombe Wanderers in 2008 and he spent 18 months at the club making 66 appearances before moving onto Norwich City. He helped Posh win promotion from League One in his one full season at the club.

And he’s well aware of the Posh and Ferguson pose tomorrow. Aware, but not intimidated.

“They have a real threat again this year,” Martin said. “They sold Ivan Toney in the summer, but in Clarke-Harris they’ve got a striker in real form who is a big threat. It will be a tough game, there’s no doubt about it, but in big games, where no-one has expected us to do well, against teams at the top of the league, we’ve put in a really good performance, so I’m hoping that’s the same tomorrow.

“Last season (Martin played for MK against Posh) it wasn’t a nice one. When they get in a groove, they can be really difficult and they were on a good run when they played us last season. Toney was on top of his form.

“But i there’s anything that highlights us then and now, it’s how easily we got brushed aside by Peterborough and Burton at home. It just doesn’t happen now.

“I really enjoyed working with Darren in my time there. It was a really successful time. We got promoted, he made me his captain too, so I was really grateful for that. I really improved under him there, and I really enjoyed it and I still speak to him occasionally.

“He’s a man I have a lot of respect for, at a club I really enjoyed playing for. They’re a club that gets the big picture, and accept it will be bumpy at times, but they’re always one of the top sides in this league.”

Ferguson is not surprised Martin has turned to management.

“Of all the players I’ve managed Russell is the one I always thought would become a manager,” Ferguson said. “He was a great player for us and a great professional who went on to have an outstanding career.

“I’ve kept in touch with him. He’s a great lad and it will be good to catch up with tomorrow, and beat him!”