FRANKIE Bunn admitted there’s plenty to learn but praised his young side’s spirit and passion in defeat to an organised MK Dons outfit.

The Latics boss was forced to rip up his team sheet yesterday when he discovered captain and defensive leader Peter Clarke had gone down with illness and experienced full back Andy Taylor rolled an ankle in the last minute of training.

Despite that bit of bad luck – Cameron Dummigan will also miss the next two months with a groin injury – Bunn wasn’t making excuses.

Speaking straight after the 2-1 defeat, Bunn said: “Peter Clarke has been ill since Thursday and we decided yesterday that he wasn’t fit enough to be in the squad.

“Andy Taylor rolled his ankle in the last minute of training on Friday so we had to deal with that as well but we’re not making excuses. It was a very young defensive line, all in their teens or early 20s, the goalkeeper included.

“We’ve planned all week but you have to adapt. We’ve had a bit of bad luck in that case but that’s what the squad is there for.”

Bunn believes his side are just short of someone to unlock defences after struggling to break down the visitors for much of the match.

Jose Baxter, who wasn’t risked today as he continues to get back to full fitness, could be the answer when Athletic travel to Forest Green Rovers next Saturday.

Jack Byrne – another craftsman in the middle of the park – remains on the outside looking in.

Bunn added: “There was maybe a little bit of a lack of guile going forward. But Jose has had 40 minutes pre-season. He only started training on Tuesday so we couldn’t risk him.

“He’s obviously got quality, hopefully we can get him back soon, but he’s hardly trained or had minutes on the pitch.

“And nothing has changed with the Byrne situation – it’s ongoing.

“We got in some great areas today but our delivery was poor at times and our decision making was the same.

“We had 10 or so corners and haven’t put the ball in the right areas so they are all things to work on.

“But the spirit and passion of both the team and supporters was there for all to see.”

Speaking pitchside after the final whistle, MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale said: “I’m really pleased with a win on the first day of the season.

“It was a game that changed so much. The first 15 minutes were very fluent and then we were hanging on at the end because Oldham gave us problems, but we got there.

“The first goal was a clear penalty and it was a little pointer for our players that you need to be careful with your challenges on set pieces because referees are going to be vigilant.

“Scoring the second goal soon afterwards was a really big moment in the game, but it was a battle and both sides were very committed.

“Oldham went into half-time with a goal back and we knew it would be difficult after that.

“The physios had to work hard because there were lots of tackles and collisions, so we will just have to wait a few days and see how people recover.

“It got edgy in the second half, but I want to thank the players and the supporters. We take it game by game, but this is a good way to start the season.”