KEVIN Bond admitted he would "dearly love" to have Paul Ince's attacking options ahead of tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash at Dean Court (7.45pm).

The Cherries boss knows his team are in for a tough match against League Two pacesetters MK Dons.

Dons boss Ince has an embarrassment of riches up front, with Leon Knight, Aaron Wilbraham and Jemal Johnson all boosting the squad's firepower.

And that's not even taking into account vastly experienced forward pair Kevin Gallen and Colin Cameron.

On the other hand, Bond has his first-choice frontman Lee Bradbury suspended, while on-loan Reading winger James Henry is out injured with a hamstring strain.

"They've got more in terms of numbers, and a lot of quality if you look at the boys available and the options up front," said Bond.

"Leon Knight is a right handful, and Wilbraham and Johnson are really good players."

Bond also thinks MK Dons have the ability to secure back-to-back promotions into the Champion-ship should they progress from League Two, as expected, this season.

He said: "They're fully entitled to be where they are given the resources.

"The set-up is fantastic and the manager is given every opportunity to do well.

"They're where they ought and deserve to be.

"It will be a hard game. They'll not only go through their league but they'll be very close next season to getting straight up again.

"They've got a good set-up, good crowd and good backing. With the right management in place, which I think they probably have, I wouldn't be surprised if they went straight through."

Bond described tonight's Area Quarter-Final as a "fantastic incentive" for his players, with a trip to Wembley not too far off for the victors.

While the chances of matching the attendance and atmosphere seen in last week's midweek match against Leeds United is unrealistic, Bond hopes fans will turn out in force at Dean Court to support his side.

He said: "It would be nice to get a good crowd in. They've backed us and we need to give them something to keep coming back for.

"I hope the fans that do come are really vocal and turn up in numbers to give us the backing we need."

Bond confirmed the match marks the end of Jem Karacan's initial one-month loan period because the Hartlepool League One fixture has been switched to Sunday.

The Cherries manager wants to keep hold of the energetic Reading prospect, who has impressed during his spell at Dean Court.

He added: "He's been terrific and we're really pleased with him. He's fitted into the team really well.

"He's keen to stay and wants to stay, and we're keen to keep him.

"Hopefully we'll be able to resolve something."