International call-ups for Peterborough United could trigger a defensive crisis for Stockport County trip
Peterborough United could have a nightmare defensive situation for the League One trip to Stockport County on September 26.
The fixture falls during a round of international matches and is still expected to take place.
But on-loan Aston Villa centre-back Josh Feeney is celebrating a call-up to the Scotland Under 21 squad, while fellow Posh defender David Okagbue is expected to be called up by Ireland.
Clubs need three international call-ups to postpone fixtures. Posh midfielder Harry Ashfield is expected to be on standby for a Wales Under 21 squad so if he is called up the trip to County would be called off.
If it goes ahead Posh resources would be stretched even thinner unless injuries to central defender Tom O’Connor and full-back Carl Johnston clear up in time. Right-back James Dornelly missed last night’s dramatic Carabao Cup win over Barnsley because of a calf issue and it’s unclear as yet how soon he will return.
As things stand teenager Lucca Mendonca, Evan Weir and Harley Mills would be the only available senior defenders for the game at Edgeley Park meaning under 21 full-back Noah Freeman would probably be called up.
The scheduled Posh League One game at home to Notts County on October 3 has already been postponed because ‘The Magpies’ have three players on international duty.
Stockport’s game at Oxford United on October 3 has also been postponed, but because of international calls for three home players.
Scotland Under 21s and Feeney are scheduled to take on Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in European Championship qualifiers.