Teenage centre-back expected to play at Stockport County for Peterborough United has excelled after being thrown in at the deep end before

The 18 year-old – he’s 19 next week – made his first Football League start for Posh at Stevenage last season when morning-of-the-match illnesses to regular starters Tom Lees and George Nevett prompted a late reshuffle.

Mendonca was called up to start alongside specialist right-back Peter Kioso at the heart of the Posh defence against one of the most physical, direct teams in the third tier.

There was plenty of pre-match concern among the Posh faithful, but the response of Mendonca was to deliver a man-of-the-match display full of defensive courage and comfort on the ball. Posh lost 1-0 to a late set-piece, but Mendonca’s reputation was enhanced, even if he didn’t start again until the final day defeat at home Doncaster Rovers.

It could be a similar experience for Mendonca tomorrow as there’s every chance a full-back will partner him at centre-back against the top scorers in League One.

Mendonca, the first Brazilian to play for Posh, spoke to the Posh Plus service about his career in general this week, but he did say: “It’s amazing to be part of first team games at my age. Even playing under 21 games as an 18 year-old is pleasing, but this is what this club does. I’m happy to have the experiences I’ve had.

"My dad was a pilot so I followed him here when he came over here to work. I started playing football for enjoyment really which probably helped take the pressure off me when the scouts started coming to matches.

"Peterborough scouted me along with some other clubs and I had a successful trial with them. I was originally a midfielder, but my brother told my coach I couldn’t speak English and that I was a centre-back so I’ve played there ever since.”