Hard work and patience paid off for goal-scoring Peterborough United midfielder

The 20 year-old had not set foot on a pitch since the December 9 win at Reading, but two touches into his comeback game at Rotherham United yesterday he’d sealed a 2-0 win with a precise finish. It was his second goal for Posh since his summer arrival from Birmingham City.

Khela’s response to being removed from the matchday squad was to knuckle down, train hard, stay patient and be ready for his next call-up. He’s been receiving one-on-one coaching sessions with Posh coach Ryan Harley, a top-class midfielder in his own playing days.

"I’ve been working with Harley a lot and it’s been really beneficial,” Khela told the Posh Plus service. “No player likes to be out of matchday squads because playing is what we live for, but I’ve got my head down and worked hard to make sure I was ready when I got the call.

"I went on at Rotherham determined to make an impact, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. There were a lot of bodies between me and the goal, but I just got the ball out of my feet and tried to hit the target because I knew if there was a spill from the goalkeeper Harry Leonard would be there to score the rebound.

"I was grateful to get the opportunity to help the team. We all know where we are in terms of the play-offs and there is a great feeling around the place.

"The manager has taught us his playing style. We’ve been winning home and away and we will go to a tough place and try and win again.”

Posh are second-placed Lincoln City on Sunday (January 4, noon kick off). Posh have won three – the last three – of their four away games in League One under Williams.