OXFORD United head coach Michael Appleton says the club will be keeping close tabs on George Baldock following his return to MK Dons.

The U’s boss is delighted to have seen the player flourish during his time at the Kassam Stadium.

And Appleton says if he were to become available again, United would be interested.

“I will never shut the door on an opportunity of bringing someone like George Baldock back to the football club,” he said.

“Let’s hope he goes and progresses and becomes the player that I am more than comfortable that he will be.

“But if it does not quite happen we certainly won’t be shutting the door on him.”

Defender Johnny Mullins said it had been terrific to play alongside a player of Baldock’s quality.

“George Baldock has been awesome,” he said.

“He has got a tremendous career ahead of him and I can’t wait to see how high he can go.”