Ferguson confirmed Boyd is a certain starter on Saturday when Posh resume their Championship campaign with a trip to Bristol City. And Boyd will equal Eric Steele's record of 124 consecutive Football League appearances for the club at Ashton Gate.

But the gifted wideman has been warned that Rowe is breathing right down his neck. Rowe caught the eye as Posh Reserves smashed Southend 5-0 yesterday afternoon.

Posh chief Ferguson admits he will have no hesitation in leaving out his top stars if necessary - something he proved when surprisingly dropping defender Gaby Zakuani for a home defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle a fortnight ago.

Ferguson said: "We are not winning football matches and no-one is undroppable. You can't have that approach as a manager.

"George knows he has not produced his best form in the last couple of games and Tommy is getting very close.

"Tommy was outstanding for the reserves. He is really knocking on the door of the first team and putting a lot of pressure on 'Boydy'.

"Tommy is a player I have always liked. He is an excellent footballer who has been great in training lately and is chomping at the bit."

Rowe was one of a number of senior players to do well for the second string yesterday.

Ferguson also sung the praises of midfield man Dean Keates who claimed a hat-trick made up of a free-kick and two penalties.

He insists the former Walsall midfielder remains prominently in his thoughts despite summer arrival Toumani Diagouraga being preferred so far this season.

Ferguson added: "Dean was excellent and we all know what he is capable of. He hasn't played anywhere near as much as he would like this season, but both Dean and Toumani play in a similar role in front of the back four.

"There may be times where we need to play two players like that. I have plenty of options in midfield and it is my job to find the right combination.

"I want effort and application from the players not in the first team and those that played in the reserves certainly gave me that. It gives me a nice selection problem."

Loan defender Krystian Pearce did not feature for the reserves. Ferguson has publicly hinted the 20 year-old could be handed a first league start at either right-back or centre-back on Saturday.