Posh boss takes the blame for Shrewsbury defeat so multiple changes expected for the EFL Trophy quarter-final at Tranmere who have signed an ex-England international

Posh went down 2-0 in a League One fixture - their first defeat in eight matches - and Ferguson accepts he picked the wrong team, one that included a handful of players who needed a rest.

Ferguson will freshen the side up for tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy quarter-final at Tranmere Rovers (February 2, 7pm) with teenagers Harrison Burrows, Ricky-Jade Jones and Flynn Clarke among those expected to start.

Seventeen-year-old Ronnie Edwards won’t be at Prenton Park because of a thigh injury, while star midfielder Jack Taylor is resting a sore calf and centre-back Frankie Kent is still out because of concussion protocols.

Two wins and Posh will be back at Wembley for the first time since 2014.

“It will still be a strong 18,” Ferguson insisted. “Looking back I picked the wrong team at Shrewsbury. I’ll carry the can for that one as I should have freshened the side up for that game.

“I will make changes tonight, more than I expect Tranmere to make, but we have to be mindful of the prize money at stake and the chance to play at Wembley.

“It’s been relentless since we started playing again after Christmas. Every game I’m asking players to climb Everest and it’s just impossible, and this is another long trip to play on a difficult surface.

“With so many Tuesday fixtures it’s been difficult get match practice into those who need it, but we will just keep getting on with things.

“Like every other club we are desperate to keep our best players fit because if they miss a couple of weeks it means they miss five games.

“Still a lot of our players are fresh and tonight is a great opportunity for them, especially for the forward players as we’ve been struggling to score in recent games.

“Tranmere are in great form though and they made a top managerial appointment in Keith Hill. He has experienced players like Woolery, Vaughan, Lloyd, Clarke and Spearing who are better than League Two.

“I had a good chat with my players yesterday about the Shrewsbury game and we are still confident we can have a good season. Tonight is a big game.”

Posh have only an own goal to show on the scoring front from the last three games.

Tranmere signed veteran former England international David Nugent yesterday.

Possible Posh team:

(3-4-1-2)

Gyollai

Mason, Thompson, Blake-Tracy

Kanu, Reed, Hamilton, Burrows

Clarke,

Jones, Eisa.