POSH LATEST: Ben could be back to face his brother's team

Alnwick has received a pain-killing jab in his injured ankle and is expected to join in first-team training on Thursday (March 10).

Posh have used on-loan 21 year-old goalkeeper Stuart Moore for three matches in Alnwick’s absence. Alnwick’s younger brother, Jak, plays for Port Vale, although he’s missed the last five matches because of a muscle injury.

Posh are also expected to announce the return of veteran goalkeeper Mark Tyler to the club soon. Tyler (38) will take on a player-coach role after Luton agreed to release him. Posh released former goalkeeping coach Ian Pledger last month.

Posh boss Graham Westley said; “There is a chance Ben will return against Port Vale. He’s had an injection which we hope will enable him to join in training later this week.

“Stuart has done well though. He perhaps needs to learn that he doesn’t need to be so aggressive when coming for crosses in first-team football as he does in under 21 football, but he should be pleased with his performances.

“He made some big saves at Wigan which helped us get a point.

“Mark Tyler is in the building and will be coaching our goalkeepers. Mark believes he has games left in him as well so he will be registered as a player.”

Westley confirmed that on-loan left back Harry Toffolo remains at Posh and in his first-team plans. But the 20 year-old will have to work hard to get back into the starting line-up.

Toffolo has started just four matches since arriving at the ABAX Stadium in January.

Westley added: “I thought Harry struggled defensively at Chesterfield when they brought on a substitute who ran at him. That’s why I went with Andrew Fox at left-back in the FA Cup replay against West Brom and why I went with Michael Smith on a couple of occasions also.

“Harry is still very much here though. There’s no drama just because he’s not been selected for a couple of matches.”