The 19 year-old triallist is the reigning Highland League player-of-the-season after spearheading his Cove Rangers side's charge to glory last season.

Part-timer Coutts has attracted plenty of attention north of the border, but he is hellbent on making the grade at London Road.

Coutts, who played the first half of the 4-1 friendly success over a Liverpool XI on Saturday, said: "Being a professional footballer is a dream life. It is something I want badly and I would love it to happen at Peterborough.

"There is bits and bobs of interest up in Scotland but I want to come south because the standard in football in so much better.

"Hopefully Posh will take it further and offer me a contract because I really want to come here.

"Peterborough have a good set-up with a brilliant gaffer and it would be a great place to get a full-time deal in the game."

Coutts has impressed manager Darren Ferguson since arriving at London Road and will be handed another chance to shine at Stevenage tomorrow night.

Ferguson said: "Paul has acquitted himself very well since he has been here and he showed good temperament against Liverpool.

"He wanted to get on the ball from the very first minute and is a good footballer with a good range passing and good feet.

"Were he to come in we would have to work on the physical side of things but that is not a problem and we will have a better idea over where we go after tomorrow.

"He has certainly got a future in the game."

Ferguson only has three central midfield players – Micah Hyde, Dean Keates and Charlie Lee – in his squad currently.

He is chasing one of two Premiership midfielders on loan but admitted nothing will develop on that front until much closer to the start of the season.