It’s a fair question and we’re likely to find out in the final 13 matches of the season, especially if injuries, suspensions and dips in form continue to arrive.
We’ve assessed the chances of those usually in reserve making an impact on a League One promotion push if they are called-up.
Appearances are those made this season. The 11 players featured have started just 33 games between them.
There is no recall clause on Ryan Broom (Burton) and Serhat Tasdemir (Oldham) who are currently out on loan.
Teenage forward Flynn Clarke is out for the season with a hip injury.
9.
MO EISA: Position: Striker. Age: 26. Appearances: 19. The club record signing has shown flashes of form this season, but needs a goal badly. Eisa helped turn the recent game against Wigan on its head when appearing as a late substitute and he played well when he replaced Siriki Dembele for the home game against Ipswich. At Burton he came on and instantly showed better movement than any other attacking players, but he missed two decent chances to get Posh back in the game which sums up Ferguson’s predicament with him. Eisa’s general play has improved this season, but his finishing hasn’t. It would be daft to rule out a contribution from him before the season is out. He remains first choice back-up to Jonson Clarake-Harris.
10.
RICKY-JADE JONES: Position: Striker. Age: 18. Appearances: 10. An operation hindered this speedy striker’s chances of making an impact this season, but he’s fit and strong now, and a regular on the substitutes’ bench. Posh like to use him when they are in front late in games as his speed ensures an opposition defence can be turned. Jones hasn’t started a League One game this season, but he did start the EFL Trophy exit at Tranmere when he didn’t so himself justice so others will be picked ahead of him even if Jonson Clarke-Harris is on the sidelines. The teenager needs to improve his hold-up play and his aerial ability.