Peterborough United teenager has his eye on a breakthrough season at the Weston Homes Stadium

MacAnthony has tipped Tasdemir to enjoy a strong season and first-team boss Darren Ferguson also has high hopes for a 19 year-old (he’s 20 next week) for a campaign when young players could be vital given the likely changes to squads because of financial issues caused by the coronavirus.

The 19 year-old - he’s 20 next week - was recruited from National League Fylde last summer with an eye on the future by Ferguson.

And with loan star Sammie Szmodics not expected to be back at the Weston Homes Stadium next season, it could be Tasdemir is battling with George Cooper to play behind or alongside the usual crop of exciting Posh forwards.

Tasdemir started one game for Posh last season - the 1-0 home win over Bolton - and didn’t make a single appearance after coming on as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers just before Christmas and just after the highlight of his season.

“I was used to playing in front of 1500 at Fylde,” Tasdemir, who has already started pre-season training alongside several other young players, stated. “So to come on and play 30 minutes at Portsmouth in front of 17000 was incredible.

“That was the highlight of my season and now I’ve tasted it I want a bit more.

“I appreciate I need to put some goal and assist stats on the table, but I’m still young, hungry and focussed and once I do score I’m sure my confidence will soar.

“It was a massive step up from non league football to a team challenging for promotion from League One, but I learnt something every day and to be involved as often as I was pleased me.

“The aim now is obviously to be involved even more next season so it’s been good for me to be back training early with the other younger lads to get a headstart on the others.

“I know what it’s all about now so it’s down to me. Siriki Dembele showed what can be done last season when he broke into the side.

“I would say number 10 is my best position. I like to play in pockets and get past players, but I am also happy playing out wide and drifting inside to make an impact.

“Training has been good so far although the testing for Covid-19 hasn’t been nice with stuff being stuck down your throat and up your nose!”