Why the Peterborough United manager is in awe of his playing squad

Posh have overcome numerous injury and availability setbacks in recent times and yet a win at Bradford City on Saturday would take them within two points of their hosts who currently sit in the final play-off place.

That’s a tough ask though, especially as they picked up a few ‘knocks and bangs’ during their rearguard success in difficult conditions at Mansfield Town on Tuesday night. Bradford didn’t have a midweek fixture.

Posh are seeking a third straight win tomorrow after also duffing Wigan Athletic 6-1 at the Weston Homes Stadium last Saturday.

"It was a brilliant week, but also a very tough one as nothing was handed to us,” Williams said. “I’m in awe of the group. It’s a team of young players who have been able to overcome hurdle after hurdle.

"What pleases me the most is seeing young guys showing so much maturity and respect to each other. You can actually do that and still not get results because our sport is so dynamic, but they have been getting the rewards for doing so much right and that feels very satisfactory. There is a fairness about that and long may it continue.

“Don’t forget they lived and ultimately thrived on the pressure of being five points from safety when I got here. For them to change their fortunes by so much is seriously impressive.

"We now get the chance to play at a brilliant football club in front of a huge crowd certain to generate a great atmosphere. It’s a brilliant place to play football and the energy the crowd will bring should help us as well. Obviously it will be challenging for us, but we are looking forward to that challenge.

"I’m not surprised they are having a good season. Their manager is very clever and really understands how to get the best out of people.”

It’s been a day of sleet showers in Bradford, but the Valley Parade pitch is currently playable. The Posh team travelled North on Friday afternoon.

"The conditions are just something both teams have to deal with,” Williams added. “Nothing really changes as we always prepare for the conditions we expect and the opposition we will face. There will be things we know we will have to deal with and the weather doesn’t change that.”

Williams gave no indication as to which players picked up knocks at Mansfield, although former Bradford City loanee Brandon Khela appeared to be hobbling at the end of that game.

Long-term injury victims Sam Hughes and Harley Mills both trained on the grass today to move closer to a return to action.