Martin felt playing was the best way to see Dons issues

Russell Martin isn't likely to make a habit of swapping the dugout for the pitch, but he said it was the best way to see where Dons are struggling.

The 34-year-old hadn't kicked a ball in a Dons shirt since October 12 away at Bristol Rovers last season, but with two friendly games set 24 hours apart against Championship opposition, Martin felt he needed to play a part against Coventry.

Playing the opening 45 minutes against the Sky Blues, a predominantly teenage Dons side were trailing 3-1 at the break before the first teamers, who had been heavily beaten 6-0 by Norwich on Friday, were brought on in the 3-2 defeat.

"It's not easy for some of them playing with their manager," said Martin afterwards. "It was so valuable for me to be out there. It's numbers as well, but we spoke about it and whilst I still have the ability – just about! - I wanted to feel it and see what we're facing, and what we need to work on. Sometimes being on the pitch is the best way to feel it."

On the game, he said: "I'm really pleased – as pleased as I've been all pre-season. The process is the most important part, and we've stepped up a lot. Even yesterday, it was a tough day for the guys.

"We haven't got the depth we want at the minute, we will have new guys coming in soon, a lot of guys watching from the stands too because they're not ready yet.

"We played a lot of younger guys and it has been a massive step up for them. So we have to expect situations like the first half. It's frustrating but you have to accept it with young players.

"The goals we conceded weren't good enough, individual errors, but for the guys who we expect certain things from, I thought we were excellent. I think we dominated the best team in the league last year.

"We're getting there physically, we asked a lot from them with two games in two days. I didn't think there is any point in playing teams where we'd have all of the ball and win 5-0 – pointless. At this stage, it's about getting ready."