Boss Paul Ince faces major selection issues ahead of Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy showdown at Southampton, as his Dons side battle to keep their Wembley hopes alive.

Trailing 1-0 going into their Southern Area Final second leg at St Mary's Stadium, the Dons could be without up to 10 first team players as they look to overcome the big spending Saints and advance to the competition's showpiece final.

The heart of Ince's problems lie at the back, where a central defence already missing Mathias Doumbe (groin), Sean O'Hanlon and Darren Powell (both knee) was robbed of the influential David McCracken at the weekend.

Ince confirmed after the game: "Cracks done his calf tackling Richie Partridge and was struggling. You know what he's like, he'll play through brick walls, but with Tuesday in mind we had to take him off. He might not be fit anyway.

"We're down to the bare bones as far as centre-halves are concerned, but we'll have to crack on with it."

Top-scorer Jermaine Easter will also be missing after collecting his 10th booking of the season at Stockport, while Andros Townsend, in outstanding form since joining on loan from Tottenham in January, is cup-tied.

Cracks crocked: Defender David set to miss Tuesday.

Luke Chadwick missed the game at Edgeley Park after picking up a knock in training last week and remains a doubt, while Sam Baldock and Danny Woodards will both hope to shake of knocks picked up during the game.

Goalkeeper Stuart Searle completes a lengthy injury list, looking set to miss out with a back complaint.

"We'll see what personnel we've got available," Ince added. "The priority is the league, but it will be a case of what we can change.

"Jamma's suspended now for two games which doesn't help, but we'll take stock, go down there and give it a go. Fingers crossed we'll come out on top.

"We've got nothing to fear, nothing to lose, we've just got to go there, play our football and see what the outcome is.

"They're expected to go through, but we'll see what happens."

Southampton boss Alan Pardew will be forced into multiple changes to side following his January shopping spree, with four players ineligible for Tuesday's second leg.

Having switched allegiances between the two legs of the tie, erstwhile Dons winger Jason Puncheon will be unable to face his old club, while striker Lee Barnard and defenders Jon Otsemebor and Dan Seaborne have already featured for other clubs in the competition.

Skipper Dean Hammond (calf), defender Graeme Murty (ankle) and striker David Connolly (groin) are all set to miss out.

Tickets for away supporters will be available from the MK Dons Box Office until midday on Tuesday and thereafter from St Mary's on the night.

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