Dons manager Paul Ince has backed striker Sam Baldock to do his Club proud at this month's FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

And he hopes the young front-man can use his experience with Brian Eastick's England side to hit the ground running when he returns to Milton Keynes.

When his team-mates take on League 1 leaders Leeds United at stadiummk on Saturday, 20-year-old Sam hopes to be part of the England team that takes on Uruguay in their opening game of the tournament in Ismailia.

It'll be a memorable moment for the Aylesbury-born striker as he prepares to experience a sense of national pride Ince knows all about.

The Dons boss made over 50 appearances for his country at senior level, several as England captain, and he says Sam could have the exact same feeling coursing through his veins on Saturday afternoon.

He said: "It's the best feeling you can have as a player, to represent your country, it doesn't matter at what level it is.

"My son did it at 17 and it was the proudest moment of my life as a Dad, so for Sam to do it is a very proud moment for the Club.

"Obviously we're going to miss him while he's away, but we're absolutely over the moon for him to have this opportunity. It's great for Sam."

Having made just one substitute appearance for the Dons this season due to groin and hamstring problems, Ince has yet to have a fully-fit Baldock at his disposal since he returned to manage the Dons this summer.

But he's hoping his time away with the England setup, which will also include group games against Ghana and Uzbekistan, will do the young striker the world of good.

He added: "Sam's not been fully fit since we got back here, but we know from the first time we were here that he is a talented young player and he scored some important goals for the team last season.

"Hopefully he can use his time away with England to get some match minutes under his belt, then when he comes back to Milton Keynes he'll be available to us and ready to push for a place in our first team."

England kick-off their FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign in Group D against Uruguay in Ismailia on Saturday (8.30pm BST).

mkdons.com will have more news from the camp throughout the tournament.

For more information on England at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup go to www.thefa.com