Norwich will always be a special place for Martin

Russell Martin's football career has almost become synonymous with Norwich City, but on Tuesday night, he will put that affinity to one side.

Martin played over 300 games for the Canaries in almost a decade at Carrow Road, helping them from League One through to the Premier League. Off the pitch, Martin started his family in East Anglia, with his children born there, owning a restaurant in town and still having plenty of friends in the area.

Tuesday night is the first time Martin has come up against his former club in the dugout when Dons take on Norwich U21s in the Papa John's Trophy at Stadium MK.

And while the club and town hold a special place in his heart, Martin says it won't matter when the referee blows his whistle.

He said: "I've got a very strong connection with the club and the people there. The best thing I took from the club is the relationships you build with people. It's the most important thing. I will always feel that because of what we did there – my kids were all born there. I'll always have that connection, but for 90 minutes that doesn't matter.

"I want MK Dons to win, for us to play well and to win. After that, I can say hello to a few people.

"It's a little different because it's their U21s so I don't know many of the players – I'm far too old! I know a couple of them, but they were really young when I was there. I know some of the coaching staff from when I was there, so it will be nice to see them."