Martin wants to get one over on his former boss Lambert

Russell Martin and Paul Lambert during their Norwich days

He worked under him for six years, but Russell Martin wants to get one over on his former manager this weekend when MK Dons take on Ipswich Town.

Paul Lambert was at the helm of Wycombe Wanderers when Martin began his professional career, and then joined him at Norwich City in 2009 when the Scot took over at Carrow Road.

This weekend, the pair rekindle their friendship but in opposing dugouts when the League One leaders visit Stadium MK with Dons still seeking out their first win of the season.

For Martin though, still in his first season of management, there will be little time for sentiment as he looks to get one over on his former boss.

“I worked with Paul Lambert for six years,” he said. “Ipswich don’t think very fondly of Norwich so that adds a bit to it too! I’ve got a huge amount of respect for their manager and what he did for me and my career.

“Ipswich have started the season really well though. It’s a game we want to win and one we are working hard on. Paul has shown that it’s taken a while to work out who he could rely on and what he wanted in the squad. They’ve worked what suits them and a style that suits them.”

Without a win so far this season, Dons sit 22nd in League One, albeit after three games, but with seven matches - six of which are in the league - in October, Martin believes this Saturday is an ideal time to get the ball rolling.

He said: “I’ve said to them that this month is a good opportunity to show where we are at with some tough games and tough fixtures.

“Our record against top teams in the league has been good – Ipswich will be up there they’ve got a really strong squad.

“It’s a good challenge and one I want the players to embrace, I want to win, the players want to win.

“If they bring their level of performance we know they are capable of then we can start to kick on.

“It takes time and if you’ve got a really clear vision for the team and an understanding – it makes it a lot easier. All the signs I see in training show the same for us and we will get there, this season will be an improvement on last year.

“I’m confident we are going to do that, we need to get that first win for the players as soon as possible as the players deserve it.”