Will Peterborough United pick their '˜footballing genius' from the start at Gillingham?

Peterborough United manager Steve Evans has labelled Marcus Maddison '˜a football genius', but he's still not certain to give him his first start of the League One season at Gillingham tomorrow (September 22, 3pm).
Marcus Maddison is pushing for a start for Posh at Gillingham.Marcus Maddison is pushing for a start for Posh at Gillingham.
Marcus Maddison is pushing for a start for Posh at Gillingham.

Maddison has had a hand in three goals during his five substitute appearance and is champing at the bit for a start at the Priestfield Stadium.

Evans today acknowledged Maddison’s impact, ability and improved attitude, but the manager is also feeling loyalty to the players who have started in four successive away wins. Only Jamie Walker at Southend has managed to break into the Posh team during that impresive run of form on the road.

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“Fans have been anticipating changes fo a while now,” Evans stated. “But we have won four away games in a row and it’s diificult to make changes when that happens.

Posh goalkeeper Aaron Chapman has been nursing a knock.Posh goalkeeper Aaron Chapman has been nursing a knock.
Posh goalkeeper Aaron Chapman has been nursing a knock.

“What I do recognise is the impact the substitutes have made in some of those games so I do have good options, one of which is Marcus Maddison.

“I’ve always said Marcus Maddison is a genius with a football at his feet, but he also needs to work as hard as those who are currently in the team. To be fair to Marcus he has been a credit to himself in the last few weeks. His attitude has been spot on and I’m told he is training harder than he’s ever done at this club.

“He was told some fairytales in the summer regarding his future, but he’s over that now and he’s been impressive.

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“I do have some decisions to make ahead of a very hard game at Gillingham, but the one certainity is we will use 14 players who have a great attitude. All footballers are hopeless without a good attitude.”

Striker Jason Cummings and goalkeeper Aaron Chapman have been nursing knocks this week, but are both expected to be fit for tomorrow’s trip.