Posh sign highly-rated Stoke City goalkeeper on an emergency loan until the end of the season

Bursik will replace Christy Pym who has been ruled of action with a side muscle injury.

Bursik has played at every level for England from under 17s to under 21s. He started for the under 17s in a European Championship Final defeat to Spain in 2017 and was in the squad that won the under 17 World Cup, also in 2017.

Bursik (20) spent a successful spell on loan at League One side Doncaster Rovers earlier this season before he was recalled by Stoke to play in their first team.

Bursik went on to make 15 Championship appearances for Stoke and was voted the club’s player-of-the-month for December after keeping four clean sheets in a row. He kept seven clean sheets in total.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson said: “We had to think fast. We have a list of keepers in case of something like this happening and he was the one that we wanted. It is a good signing to make at such short notice. Josef has good experience in League One. He was with Doncaster Rovers until he was recalled by Stoke.

“He also played with Accrington Stanley last season and did ever so well. He is a good size, has good temperament, is outstanding with his feet so ticked all of the boxes.”

Bursik played on loan in League One at Accrington Stanley last season when he gained fame for taking shots at goal from free kicks.

Posh were entitled to sign Bursik outside of a regular transfer window because he is a goalkeeper and because the other ‘keepers on Posh’s books, Dan Gyollai and Will Blackmore, have not yet made five career Football League appearances.

Bursik said: “When I heard of the interest, it was a deal I wanted to get done as quickly as we could because it is a good opportunity play first team football. The club are in a great position and hopefully I can help them maintain their form.

“This season has gone well for me. It probably surpassed my expectations to play as many games as I have in the Championship and I have really enjoyed the experience. I have played 20 league games for Accrington and 11 for Doncaster in League One. I know what to expect. I just want to do my thing, I don’t want to stand out, I want to do my job and help the team.”