FA CUP LATEST: Peterborough United will showcase their skills to the nation

Peterborough United won't be over-awed by Premier League opposition or the occasion in their fourth round FA Cup replay against West Brom at the ABAX Stadium tomorrow (February 10, 7.45pm)
Harry Toffolo will start for Posh against West Brom in an FA Cup replay. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Harry Toffolo will start for Posh against West Brom in an FA Cup replay. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Harry Toffolo will start for Posh against West Brom in an FA Cup replay. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

The tie will be screened live on BBC One and on-loan Posh left-back Harry Toffolo insists the players are relishing the opportunity to showcase their skills to the nation.

Toffolo missed the 2-2 draw in the original tie at the Hawthorns because of injury so he is determined to make the most of a rare opportunity to take on top-flight opposition.

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“It’s one of the biggest games of my career for sure,” Toffolo said. “I played in the League One play-off final last season, but this is a game against Premier League opposition and these opportunities don’t come around too often for League One players.

“I’ve only played against Premier League teams in pre-season friendlies so I can’t wait to get started. And that’s the case for all the squad.

“We are relishing the opportunity. We are certainly not daunted by it. West Brom are a quality side and we will be performing in front of a massive TV audience, but the lads see this as a chance to showcase their skills. If we do that you never know what might happen in the future.

“I didn’t play in the game at the Hawthorns, but the lads showed there what a good side we are and what a good spirit we have. To come back twice against a Premier League team is a great effort and that commitment and work ethic was again in evidence at Chesterfield on Saturday.

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“Morale is high in the camp. The lads are all very confident and that’s always a good thing. Ever since the draw at West Brom there has been a good buzz about the place.

“We also know we will get great backing from our fans. They are the most important people at any football club and in my short time at the club their support has been outstanding.

“Everyone loves a giant-killing as well so we should have even more fans than usual!”

Toffolo is certain to start tomorrow, but the identity of the rest of the back four is a mystery thanks to suspensions for Michael Smith and Ricardo Santos, plus injury concerns for Jack Baldwin and Gaby Zakuani.

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“I’m gutted for Michael and Rico,” Toffolo added. “They were probably the two stand-out performers at West Brom. They put in a real shift to get us a replay so now it’s down to the likes of me to put in a similar shift to get them into the next round.”

The winners of tomorrow’s tie travel to Championship side Reading in the fifth round on Saturday, February 20.

Over 8,500 tickets for tomorrow’s game have been sold to Posh fans, West Brom are expected to bring close to 1,000 fans.

Posh fans will now have sole use of the Motorpoint Stand.