Peterborough United manager challenges Cooper to prove his worth

There’s a gaping hole in the Posh starting line-up next season, unless Sammie Szmodics stuns us all by returning to the Weston Homes Stadium.

Szmodics was outstanding when on loan from Bristol City in the second half of last season, but is now expected to stay at Ashton Gate and fight for his place under a new manager.

Szmodics didn’t play as a conventional number 10, but used his athleticism and energy to link up effectively with deadly strikers Ivan Toney and Siriki Dembele.

Toney will be replaced from outside the club, but Posh are looking to promote from within to get over the loss of Szmodics and Cooper appears to be in pole position after a strong start to the club’s pre-season campaign.

Ferguson said: “The opportunity is there if George wants it, but there’s more to becoming a successful professional footballer than pure ability.

“This pre-season will determine whether he plays regularly or I have to move him on.

“The club spent a lot of money on George and he has found it difficult, but it’s time for him to show his worth.

“I have plenty of other players who can play as a number 10.”

George Boyd, Idris Kanu, Serhat Tasdemir and Flynn Clarke could all be battling with Cooper for a place in the starting line-up for the first League One game of the season on September 12.

Cooper and the rest of the first-team squad will play 60 minutes apiece in a two-hour private friendly against Kettering Town tomorrow (August 8, 10.30am kick off).

Posh will be live streaming the match from the Posh training ground. Visit www.theposh.com for details.

Posh paid £300k to Crewe for Cooper in January, 2018 and he scored on his debut against Oldham, but he has started just 16 games for the club and spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.