JOHN Lundstram has been busy this week warning George Baldock he is in for a tough afternoon against Marvin Johnson tomorrow.

Baldock is due to play at the Kassam Stadium for the first time since being recalled from his loan by parent club MK Dons 12 months ago.

The full back was as popular with his U’s teammates as he was with supporters and Lundstram has remained close.

Tomorrow’s game sets up an intriguing battle between right back Baldock and Marvin Johnson, who is in terrific form on United’s left

flank.

The club could have sold tickets just to watch their individual battle and Lundstram has not missed the opportunity to fill the Dons’ No 2 in on how well Johnson has been playing.

He said: “George was a massive fans’ favourite last year and everyone knows what a good player he is, just like Marvin.

“I’m looking forward to getting the ball out to him and seeing what he can do.

“I was talking to George about Marv the other day and I don’t think he’s looking forward to the game too much playing against him.

“He’s been massively important to us in the run we’ve been having, chipping in with the assists and goals.

“He’s in really good form so hopefully if he keeps that up he can drive us forward.”

U’s boss Michael Appleton is also looking forward to seeing who comes out on top.

He said: “They are two players I have a hell of a lot of time for.

“I watched MK against Bolton (1-1 last weekend) and George was his typical self in terms of playing more in the opposition’s half.

“I expect that again on Saturday, but he’s got a good test ahead of him.”

United are on a four-game winning streak in a run of big games, the latest of which was Sunday’s 2-1 derby success at Swindon Town.

Although the crowd is expected to exceed 9,000 tomorrow, the atmosphere is unlikely to match the fervour of the County Ground, or United’s home win over Newcastle United a fortnight ago.

But Lundstram knows if they want to gatecrash the play-off race in Sky Bet League One, the side must find a way to recreate the same intensity.

He said: “It’s what determines the difference between a good team and a bad team.

“You’ve got to motivate yourself for every game and keep training as intensively as you can.

“Motivation, hard work and determination will get us through.”