Peterborough United manager tips teenager to enjoy a breakthrough season

Clarke (17) scored in the third minute of his full senior debut in tonight’s (September 8) 3-3 EFL Trophy draw with Burton Albion at the Weston Homes Stadium. Clarke also converted the crucial fifth penalty as Posh claimed an extra point from 5-4 win on spot-kicks.

The Academy graduate also played well in a team performance that pleased Ferguson despite a couple of sloppy defensive moments, most notably from goalkeeper Dan Gyollai who redeemed himself by saving the final penalty of the shootout.

Posh made 10 changes to the side that lost a Carabao Cup tie against Cheltenham at the weekend with summer signing Jonson Clarke-Harris playing for 45 minutes.

“I was delighted with them,” Ferguson enthused. “For the first 30 minutes we were very impressive. We played some outstanding football through midfield with Louis Reed, Ethan Hamilton and Flynn, while Serhat Tasdemir kept dropping in to make things hard for them.

“We deserved the 2-0 lead, but we showed a little naivety in conceding just before half-time and then two mistakes cost us two more goals.

“It then became a psychological test for us and we responded well. 
“Overall it was a more impresive display than the one at the weekend. We played with more intensity and tempo.

“I like Flynn a lot. He would have made his debut last season but for an injury, but every season someone comes through who you don’t quite expect and this time it could well be Flynn. He’s a very good footballer, although he does have two very good teammates in Sammei Szmodics and Ryan Broom who like his number 10 position.

“Jonson Clarke-Harris was much better also. He will give us some physicality and he showed that tonight. He will be involved again at the weekend. There is no doubt about that.”

Cambridge United beat Fulham under 21s 2-0 in the other match in Posh’s Trophy group.

Posh host Fulham in their next tie on Tuesday, October 6.