Peterborough United boss backs Lucca Mendonca to play in the Premier League and will be 'surprised' to see him stay next season

Savage has even gone as far as to say that he would be surprised if the 19-year-old is as the club next season, such has been the level of his performances this season.

Mendonca has been one of the players that has come into the fold under Savage and has played the full 90 minutes in the last eight matches.

Mendonca has been a stand-out performers in recent weeks and earned praise from his boss for his performance on Tuesday night after asking to play despite struggling with a knock to his ankle in the build-up.

He has also tipped the teenager to be the next big star to leave the club and go onto play at a higher level.

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Luton match, Savage said: “What a kid, He could be the next one.

“If I was a manager of a Premier League side- which is probably never going to happen- I’d take him.

“He plays above his years. He was a 50-50 doubt for Tuesday night and he came on knocked on my door and said ‘gaffer “I want to play.’ He played unbelievably.

“He’s got a chance now. I’ve seen some good young centre-halves and to be so good so young. He’s got all of the attributes to go and play at the highest level.

“I would be surprised if he is a Posh player next season because he is so good."