Peterborough United manager reveals which 17 year-old could walk straight into the first-team, which natural leader will be a big hit for Posh this season and why Ivan Toney could be back in action this weekend as the club move nearer to a new signing

Posh manager Darren Ferguson and his staff at Mansfield. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Goals from Siriki Dembele (penalty) and George Boyd delivered a 2-0 win at League Two side Mansfield Town on a game played over two 60-minute periods. It was Boyd’s first goal since returning to the club last summer.

And Ferguson was thrilled with many individual displays including latest signing Ronnie Edwards, who is just 17, and defender Nathan Thompson.

Ferguson also suggested Posh are close to signing a new midfielder and that striker Ivan Toney could feature in Saturday’s (August 15) friendly against Lincoln City.

Ferguson said: “That’s the most control we’ve had in a game this summer. They rarely got into our box.

“And the second 30 minutes were a joy to watch. We played some football, scored twice and could have had a couple more.

“The second goal was fantastic. The link-up play between Mo Eisa and Harrison Burrows was excellent and Harrison’s pass to George and the finish were terrific.

“It is a work in progress, but there were some outstanding individual displays. I’d have no issues playing Ronnie in the first team now based on his performance today, while Harrison was again very good. He looks a lot stronger physically now.

“The movement of Mo and Siriki was impressive and Ricky-Jade Jones was a handful. Ricky’s been around the first team for so long now people forget he’s still a baby at 17. There is so much potential there.

“And I see Nathan Thompson being a big player for us this season. He didn’t have a pre-season last summer, but he’s gone away and got himself very fit. He’s a naturl leader as well as an excellent defender.

“I’m still trying to get two strong players for each position. We certainly need one in midfield and hopefully that will be done soon.

“I also have to be mindful of Ivan Toney. If he is still here at the weekend then he might have to play. If he’s here at the start of the League One season he will certainly be playing for us.”

Posh travel to the England training base at St George’s Park after Saturday’s friendly.