Paul Ince has compared striker Sam Baldock to a young Michael Owen after his impressive double in Tuesday night's win over Northampton.

And the Dons boss has hinted that he may turn to his talented young front-man for Saturday's massive League 1 trip to second-placed Charlton.

Twenty-year-old Baldock was in impressive form against the Cobblers, bagging an expertly-taken first goal and a second from the penalty spot after being handed his big chance by Ince.

And the Dons boss reacted with a mighty compliment for his young marksman, comparing his talents to those of his former Liverpool and England team-mate.

Ince said: "Sam's one of those players that, when he's one-on-one, you always feel like he's going to score.

"He reminds me a bit of Michael Owen, when he was one-on-one I always felt he would hit the back of the net and Sam gives me that kind of confidence. It was the same with the penalty on Tuesday.

"Sam made some very mature runs. When we were here two years ago he used to make some silly runs, but I've noticed how he's matured and he now makes runs that are actually getting him in.

Ince played with Owen for both Liverpool and England.

"He beat the offside trap a good few times on Tuesday night and that's good to see."

Having scored 13 goals in 44 appearances for the Dons last season, Baldock has had to be patient since Ince's return to the club this summer, largely down to the form of 10-goal Jermaine Easter in attack.

But with the Welshman set to miss Saturday's visit to the Valley due to international duty, Baldock's midweek performances may well have been enough to earn him a starting berth at the weekend.

Ince said: "Sam's had to be patient, Jamma's scored 10 goals already this season and when he was injured Sam was away with England Under-20s.

"It hasn't fallen for him right so far, but he got his chance on Tuesday, he took it with both hands and he might have another chance on Saturday against Charlton.

"We needed to see what Sam was like up front with Alby, I know they played well up front together last year and we saw that again at times on Tuesday."

Tickets for Saturday's trip to Charlton are on advance sale from the MK Dons Online Ticket Service, over the phone on 01908 622900, from the MK Dons Box Office at stadiummk and the Box Office on Crown Walk at thecentre:mk.

Tickets will be available until 6.00pm on Friday and also from The Valley on the day of the game.