The Peterborough United star buzzing after a first Football League start for 19 months

Former manager Steve Evans handed Kanu his first start as a sole striker in the final game of the 2017-18 season, but he was hauled off at half-time of a game Posh went on to lose 2-0.

Start number two finally arrived on Saturday (December 7) and Kanu was outstanding in the number 10 role, and when moved to a wider position, as understrength Posh battled to a creditable 2-2 draw against League One promotion rivals.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson singled Kanu out for praise after the game and a player who was signed from Aldershot in August, 2017, and who celebrated his 20th birthday last week, was buzzing.

“It was a good week for me,” Kanu stated. “I played 80 minutes against Ipswich (EFL Trophy), 90 minutes at Portsmouth and I celebrated my birthday.

“I’ve tried to become versatile. I want to be able to play effectively in all sorts of positions because I know this manager will give me a chance if I play well. It’s up to me then to take my chance.

“The difference between when I played at Portsmouth before and now is big. It shows how much I’ve grown and managed to adapt.

“Playing behind the strikers suits me as I can play off shoulders, find space and take players on. I thought I did well and the manager seemed to think so too.

“The dressing room was buzzing after the match, but we deserved more than a draw. As soon as we fell 2-1 behind we kicked on and they couldn’t handle it.”