Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson admits teenage loan signing Saido Berahino is knocking on the first-team door.
The 19 year-old striker has made two second-half substitute appearances for Posh since arriving at London Road on loan from Premier League side West Brom.
But, in his weekly pre-match press conference today (October 18), Ferguson hinted that a first start for Berahino is not far away.
Fergsuon said: “Saido is a very good player who could fit into any system we try. He can link up play with the ball at his feet or he can run in behind.
“He’s a lovely young man whose attitude as well as his ability has impressed me since he’s been with us.
“I don’t bring players to the club on loan to make a good impact from the bench. He’s a first-team squad member at a Premier League side so his ability can be taken for granted and he is certainly knocking on our door for a start.
“We are lucky to have a good vareity of striker at the club. Lee Tomlin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing are also pushing for a start.”
If Berahino is given his full debut it’s likely to be at the expense of Emile Sinclair rather than Tyrone Barnett, even though the latter has scored just once this season.
It’s expected that Ferguson will stick with the 3-5-2 formation that delivered victories at Hull and Barnsley in the last two Posh away games.
Ferguson added: “It’s a system that has worked well in the last two away matches and we were unlucky to lose to Forest playing that way at home. A similar work ethic as well as a similar performance would give us a chance of a third straight away win.
“If we do get three points that would make us one of the form teams in the division ahead of two very important home games next week against Huddersfield and Derby.
“It won’t be easy at Watford as they have good players and they work hard for each other, but their form has been better away from home than at home so we will go there with confidence.
“We’ve had a couple of weeks since the last match and the squad have trained hard and shown the togetherness in that time that we will need to climb the table.”
It’s cheap admission at Watford tomorrow with adults allowed in for just £10 if they purchase tickets in advance and £15 on the day.
Posh have sold in excess of 1,200 tickets so far. Fans have until 3pm tomorrow (October 19) to purchase their tickets in advance from London Road.
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