Martin isn't setting his sights on the play-offs

There will be no talk of promotion or relegation at MK Dons.

Their 4-1 win on Tuesday night over Rochdale saw Russell Martin's side move 11 points adrift of the relegation zone, while remaining eight adrift of the play-off spots while climbing to 14th place in League One.

Losing just one of their last five in the league, Dons have established themselves firmly as a midtable side. But while the club are not looking over their shoulders at the drop zone any more, Martin says he won't be aiming for a top-six berth but feels his side are heading in the right direction.

"We won't be talking about play-offs, just as we haven't been talking about relegation," he said. "Psychologically for the players and fans it's nice to see but it's my job to focus on the day-to-day stuff and see where it takes us. This year was always about improving the identity and the squad and we're justifying that hard work.

"There has been a big shift in mentality in the group, we don't fear playing anyone any more and we've got a confidence.

"We try and bring our own identity and style wherever we go, and we try and play on our terms. It's not always possible but we try and do it and we're starting to believe in ourselves."