MK DONS boss Karl Robinson was less than happy with Mark Cooper’s decision to rest seven key players against Preston North End on Saturday.

Robinson would have been looking at the fixture between the sides fourth and second in the table as an opportunity for his team to make a move on the automatic promotion spot.

Even a draw at Deepdale would have been enough for the Dons to go second, after their win at Rochdale, but that was dealt a blow when the Town team was announced at 2pm on Saturday.

However Robinson cannot completely tarnish Cooper for his selection. Four years ago in a similar position with regard to the play-offs, the Dons boss made the same decision, albeit he told his fans exactly who to expect on the field two days before the game.

Cooper’s surprising decision to effectively wave the white flag with his selection and the consequential 3-0 defeat means Dons go into their final game with automatic promotion matters out of their hands.

It is understandable then why Robinson is disappointed in a club he has previously talked of his admiration for.

“They will say they have to look after themselves,” he told the MK Citizen. “If it was in a cup, there’d be something done about it.

“Mark Cooper will say he’s done it for the right reason, and I’ve got to respect his integrity. It’s difficult for me to take, but we still had a job to do. I’ve got no fear any more.

“We went to Rotherham last season knowing we could help some of the other play-off teams. We had to compete. We had a job to do. But we just look after ourselves. That’s all we can keep doing.

“It has really fuelled my players. They’ve given me petrol. We’re not tired, we’re ready.

“What will be will be. Our judgement will be told in eight days.”