Pearce may get his big chance
KRYSTIAN Pearce could be dragged in from the cold to solve a Posh defensive problem against Swansea at London Road on Saturday.
KRYSTIAN Pearce could be dragged in from the cold to solve a Posh defensive problem against Swansea at London Road on Saturday.Pearce has yet to start a single Championship match since arriving at London Road on loan from Premier League Birmingham in the summer.
But a groin injury to Gaby Zakuani and Charlie Lee's dead leg could pave the way for a belated full league debut.
Zakuani was earmarked for the right-back role for the second successive match, but an injury sustained in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough has made him a doubt this weekend. Lee, who was Zakuani's predecessor in the role, has suffered a number of niggly injuries this season.
Pearce is primarily a central defender, but manager Mark Cooper is keen to give his first signing, Exodus Geohaghon from non-league Kettering Town, another outing alongside teenager Ryan Bennett.
Cooper said: "Exodus deserves to play. It was a good debut considering where he came from. Of course it was different to what he is used to, but trust me, for a side in our position, Exodus will be fine.
"He was outstanding for me at Kettering and we had many clubs sniffing around him, including Posh, but no-one made us a worthwhile offer.
"Exoudus is a powerful man and his long throw is a weapon that we would be silly not to use. I know we are not a big side, but it's not necessarily the first header that creates problems, it's where the ball eventually ends up.
"He will play against Swansea even if Gaby is fit. As it happens Gaby is struggling for Saturday and Charlie picked up a knock against Middlesbrough so Krystian is in the running as he has played as a full-back before."
If the defensive problems do continue to pile up, Posh could be grateful they are playing the side with the worst scoring record in the Championship. Swansea have managed just 15 goals in 18 matches, but still sit in seventh place.
Posh striker Aaron Mclean (bruised foot), midfielder Paul Coutts (hamstring) and winger Chris Whelpdale (groin) were also in the treatment room yesterday. Whelpdale is the biggest doubt for the visit of Swansea.
Rene Howe returned from his loan spell at League Two Lincoln City yesterday. He has a hamstring injury, but Cooper has not ruled out using the 23-year-old former Kettering striker in the hectic December programme before he resumes his search for a power forward during the January transfer window.
Cooper added: "Rene was leaving Kettering just as I got there so I haven't managed him before, but he has a month to impress us now.
"It's no secret that we are looking for a bigger forward to help the current strikers and sometimes it's better the devil you know."
Posh are hoping to arrange a reserve team friendly in December to take a look at a couple of triallists. There are no more competitive reserve fixtures scheduled until the New Year.
See also:
Posh v Swansea: ET match coverage and matchday updates.
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Thursday 29 July 2010
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