The 33 year-old midfielder was an inspirational skipper as Posh won promotion from League Two last season, but he's largely been left on the sidelines in League One.

Paul Coutts, Charlie Lee and Dean Keates have all played more regularly than Hyde in the centre of the park after manager Darren Ferguson declared that he wanted to use the veteran more sparingly.

Hyde made just his second start of the season at MK Dons last weekend and impressed in a 2-1 win. His experience is viewed as vital in Saturday's high-pressure game with title favourites Leeds United in front of a potential capacity crowd.

Hyde said: "It was great to be back last week because I haven't been happy sitting and watching the matches.

"I've had to be very patient because like everyone else I want to play every week.

"I captained the side last season when we got out of League Two so it's been a bitter pill to swallow this season.

"But I'm a professional and it's the manager's job to pick the team. I certainly haven't been moping around the place and I cheer the team on even if I'm not in it.

"I believe I've been a winner all through my career and hopefully I will see some more action now. My experience will be important in the games coming up."

Posh signed Hyde in January 2007 from Championship side Burnley. He appeared in 38 League Two matches last season and last Saturday formed an excellent new alliance with rookie Coutts.

That partnership is likely to be kept intact on Saturday as Posh tackle a Leeds side seeking a seventh win in succession.

Keates is rated 50/50 to take part because of a knee injury that required a scan earlier this week. No ligament damage was discovered, but his movement is still restricted.



POSH have confirmed that goalkeeper Joe Lewis will be available for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie with Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday, October 7 and for the League Two fixture with Walsall on Saturday, October 11.

Lewis has been called into the England Under 21 squad for the two-legged European Championship play-off with Wales. The matches take place on October 10 and October 14.

Posh centre-back Craig Morgan will miss the Walsall game as he will be involved in Wales' World Cup qualifying ties against Kazakhstan and Germany.



THE Posh Trust has secured 1,000 Posh tickets for the home match with Colchester on Saturday, November 22 which will be given away to residents of Werrington.

The Trust require volunteers to distribute leaflets advertising the fact for a couple of hours on Sunday, October 19. Anyone able to help should contact John Henson at john_poshfan@yahoo.com or leave a phone message on 07874 125428