'It gives us an opportunity to play at a dream venue' - Paul Warne on why he's desperate to see MK Dons get into the FA Cup third round draw

The Dons face a tough second round tie against League Two’s meanest defence when Oldham come to Stadium MK tomorrow to play for a place in the third round hat.

And Warne knows that a plum FA Cup third round tie will offer the Dons much more than just a lucrative pay day.

“We will go strong because an FA cup run is always good for the club, the fans and the players,” he said.

“It gives us an opportunity to play at a dream venue. It gives the fans and families the chance to see the team play at a dream venue and make memories.

“That's how I see the FA Cup. I’m well aware we can't win it, but winning games and doing good things and habits is a good thing to get into.

“We will be as strong and competitive as we can. I know Oldham will do the same. I'm sure they want a similar cup run and to play one of the big boys.

“You get through this, you are in the hat and anything can happen.

“Home or away, it will be great to get a dream tie, or another lower league team and go again. That is the joy of the draw.

“They are the games that people remember. That's what you are trying to play towards, but before that you have to get past Oldham.

“We are going to have to be really good to beat them and get into the hat.”

Pre-match preparations have been hampered by a bug going through the camp with Warne confirming he may have to change his plans as a result.

“We have got a bit of illness in the camp which isn’t ideal, but the lads go into it in good form,” Warne added.

“We might have to shuffle the pack a little bit. I will have a look at things, but what I intended to do at the start of the week and what I intended to do now are two different things.”

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw at Stadium MK on the opening day of the League Two season with the visitors making their return to the EFL.

They have adjusted well to their new surroundings and currently boast the tightest defence in the division, with just 13 goals conceded in 18 games.

“We know a lot more about Oldham at this stage of the season and having played them already,” said Warne.

“We know their strengths and weaknesses. They have done really well, they get lots of crosses in and have a lot of attempts at goal.

“They are difficult to create chances against and we will have to be at our best to get a win.

“This game is a different challenge to the one against Fleetwood. Hopefully we can show a bit of personality and the fans can enjoy the game for what it is.”

Get full match coverage tomorrow and all your other daily Dons news.