No extra incentives for Martin to beat Ipswich Town

Russell Martin was captain for Norwich City during nearly a decade at Carrow Road

Russell Martin would have probably been the pantomime villain when he walked into Portman Road this Saturday had supporters been in attendance when Dons meet Ipswich Town.

The Dons boss doesn't have much memorabilia in his house, but holding his pre-match press conference from home on Wednesday, sat in front of the Norwich City shirt and captain's armband he wore while leading the Canaries to victory in the play-off final to secure promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

Though there is clearly no love lost in Martin's relationship with Ipswich given his longevity with their biggest rivals, but he says getting a win over the Tractorboys will mean no more than any other as his Dons side look to consolidate their spot in League One's midtable.

"I’m sure a few thousand will tell you it’s more important, but we’ll prepare properly as we do with any game," he said. "It’s Norwich’s biggest rival so I’m sure I would’ve got stick going there."

Ipswich sit five points and five places above Dons in the standings ahead of Saturday's game at Portman Road - only Dons' second trip to the ground. But since taking over eight games ago, Paul Cook has only managed two victories, while Dons head to East Anglia having won four of their last five.

"It’s a really good challenge for our players," Martin continued. "They are a fantastic team and a big scalp in this division. It’ll be a tough game for us but I’m really looking forward to it. We need to go there and enjoy it.

"They are a team in transition with the change in manager and he’s probably not had as much time on the training ground as he’s wanted. I think we can go there and do what we do, be us, and look to win the game."

Dons have never beaten them in five previous meetings, with the game earlier this season ending in a 1-1 draw at Stadium MK.

Martin added: "That was at a time Ipswich were in top form at the top of the division. It was one of our most dominant displays and one of many frustrating games early in the season. I think we’ve replicated them performances with the results this year."