Players urged to use lockdown to improve themselves on and off the pitch

With the MK Dons players into their eighth week of lockdown, manager Russell Martin has been urging them to use the period productively.

Unable to train since early March, the players have been given their training programmes to complete at home. But without the structure of going to work on a daily basis, Martin said remains in regular contact with his players to make sure they structure and plan their days.

"We set them tasks for their own well-being, and personal development," he said. "We've also stressed to them the importance of keeping busy, and come out of this not just having completed Netflix but trying to take something from this period.

"We've had to adapt to stay in contact and connected with the players. We've got a lot of young lads who have come straight out of school and into this environment, and are used to a routine and structure, being told where to go at what times, what to eat, and now that's been blown apart. Trying to manage them through this period, and not doing it face-to-face is really difficult."