Peterborough United manager to make Marçal decision, very positive injury updates and players staking a claim to replace Archie Collins

The 23 year-old winger made his third Posh appearance in a 2-1 friendly win at League Two side York City on Tuesday night. Marçal was at the Posh Academy before leaving for Leicester City aged 12 over a decade ago. ‘The Foxes’ released the player at the end of last season and he is currently a free agent.

Williams sees Marçal as a huge talent and a vacancy has opened up in the squad following the weekend departure of Kyrell Lisbie to Millwall.

"It’s a difficult situation with Wanya,” Williams told BBC Radio Cambs after tonight’s match. “All players already here need minutes, but we also have to give those we are looking at, a chance to play. I look at Wanya and see a player with a huge amount of talent, but he’s been with us for a while now and we need to make a decision now. I will have some conversations with the key people and make a call then. It’s not fair just to keep him here.”

Williams was pleased with the performance at York and delivered some good news on long-term injury victims Sam Hughes and Tom O’Connor. The centre-backs have a chance of being involved in the final pre-season friendly against West Bromwich Albion at the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday.

Williams was also impressed with the performances of current players Carl Johnston and Ben Woods in the midfield role left vacant by Archie Collins. Posh won the game with goals from Brandon Khela and James Dornelly, the latter from a slick corner routine.

"Tom and Sam are now training with the first-team which gave everyone a lift as they are two talented and very experienced players,” Williams added. “They’ve had no problems or setbacks since and if that continues there is a chance they could be involved at the weekend.

"We deserved to win tonight. There were periods when we struggled, but there were more periods of us dominating a very good side at a fantastic venue.

“Brandon Khela has now scored two quality goals in pre-season and the guys practised plenty of corner and set piece routines before we travelled up to York so it was pleasing to see us score from one. I was disappointed with the goal we conceded as they didn’t really create a clearcut chance.

“It’s clear that Carl Johnston shouldn’t be overlooked for the midfield position. He’s good player, a leader and a very good man which can never be underestimated in a team environment.

"I also enjoyed the performance of Ben Woods when he took Carl’s place. He also took the ball well and showed plenty of aggressive energy, with good actions offensively and defensively.”