There's a good reason why Peterborough United boss won't feel sorry for the players he leaves out at Blackpool

But only because knows they will soon be back in the starting line-up such is the depth of his first-team squad.

An outstanding display by a team containing six changes to the starting line-up in beating Championship side Watford 5-1 at Vicarage Road on Tuesday has given Williams food for thought.

He rested players after that win and several replacements made strong claims to stay in the starting line-up at Bloomfield Road.

Centre-back Tom O’Connor will likely be a shoo-in to return, but other positions appear to be up for grabs. Teenage forward Vernon Masara is expected to be fit enough to travel after picking up a knock at Watford.

“I won’t feel sorry for the players I leave out as I know they will soon be back in the side,” Williams said. “It’s a lot easier to leave players out in that scenario and I mean that with all my heart. It’s great to see how much everyone wants to play, but they are a very together group who will just support each other.

"Our fanbase would so proud of the players if they had seen us training in pre-season. They showed great enthusiasm, energy and desire. They all have a willingness to drive forward and score goals and I have been impressed with what I’ve seen so far.”

Posh lost both League One matches against Blackpool last season and were overpowered when going down 3-1 at Bloomfield Road in April.

But Williams is confident of a far better showing by the seaside this time around.

Williams added: “We are in a different place to last season. We had key players missing and others were struggling to get near to their best form.

“We are still expecting a tough game though against a really good side. There will be a lot of intensity and hopefully this season we will be able to give as good as we get.”