With no game at the weekend for Peterborough United, it gives Vital Posh a chance to review the news and rumours for the past week.
International News
Africa Cup of Nations
Defender Gaby Zakuani came on as a second half substitute in DR Congo`s first match of the competition which finished 2-2. Ghana were the favourites ahead of this game and were chasing a winning goal when Zakuani entered the fray. It was a proud moment for the 26-year-old.
“It is probably the proudest moment of my career along with the promotions I have enjoyed. I really did not expect to be involved so early into the tournament against probably the toughest team in the tournament.
“The manager didn’t say much to be honest beforehand, but when he asked me to warm up I knew there was a good chance I’d come on, but when he started rushing me to get changed I couldn’t believe it.
“Ghana were chasing the game so they launched it, that suited my strengths to a tee, I found myself heading the ball and the back of Gyan,” Zakuani said.
It was a good result against Ghana although their second match finished in a disappointed goalless draw against Niger. Zakuani was an unused substitute.
DR Congo finish their group matches with a match against Mali which could decide who progresses to the next stages of the competition.
Irish Under 21 Call-Up
Midfielder Kane Ferdinand has capped off a good couple of months where he has been a regular substitute for Posh as well as making the starting line-up on a number of occasions with a call up to the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad.
The 20-year-old is in the Irish squad for the friendly international against Holland in Tallaght, South Dublin on 6th February.
Londoner Ferdinand qualifies for Ireland through an Irish grandfather. He has previously represented his country at Under 18 and Under 19 level.
England Under 17 Call-Up
Youngster Charlie Coulson has been placed on standby for the forthcoming England Under 17 tournament in Portugal.
Should Coulson get the call-up he will come up against hosts Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands over the space of five days.
The tournament will act as a warm-up for the Euro Elite Qualifying Round which takes place in
England between 23 and 28 March.
The 17-year-old, who made his Posh debut last season at home to Watford, will be the first Posh player to represent England at this level since Matthew Etherington if he gets the nod.
Coulson has been making a name for himself in the Posh Youth team this season and was on target for them this week in the defeat by Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
FA Youth Cup – Fourth Round
Posh Youths travelled to neighbours Leicester City for a clash in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
Posh travelled to the King Power Stadium full of confidence having trounced Aston Villa 4-0 in the previous round.
A number of the youths have already tasted first team action including striker Jaanai Gordon-Hutton who had actually started the previous two first team matches.
Playing in wintry conditions, the Foxes were quick off the mark and soon got themselves into a comfortable two goal cushion after only 20 minutes. Posh did start to pick their game up and created a number of chances with one falling to Charlie Coulson who hit an unstoppable half volley to reduce the arrears just before half time.
However, two second half goals killed Posh off as they chased the game with the last of those goals scored by Peterborough schoolboy Jamie Anton.
Personnel Movements
In-Coming
With the transfer window approaching fast, many Posh fans are hoping for at least one or two more players coming in through the London Road front door.
Posh have already completed the permanent signing of Dwight Gayle and the loans of Scott Wootton and Davide Petrucci from Manchester United but will we see anymore coming in?
Petrucci is expected to extend his initial one month loan and stay for the remainder of the season alongside his Red Devil compatriot Wootton who is already at Posh for the rest of the campaign.
More and more rumours are doing the rounds over various players and Posh, as always, are mentioned regularly as keeping tabs on them.
One such player is Walsall striker Will Grigg. The 21-year-old is out of contract at Walsall at the end of the season and has attracted a number of Championship clubs including Posh.
Grigg is the Saddlers top scorer this season with 10 goals so far but he has, as yet, failed to agree a new contract.
He`s not a prolific goalscorer having scored just 17 goals in 85 appearances for Walsall! He does have one senior international cap for Northern Ireland when he played in the 6-0 defeat to the Netherlands in June 2012. He has also represented his country at Under 19 and Under 21 level.
Out-Going
Nicky Ajose has left Posh again on loan. This time he has returned to the only club where he`s had any sort of success.
Bury have taken Ajose on loan until the end of the season with the deal starting today [Friday, 25th January].
Ajose hasn`t enjoyed life at Posh having suffered an injury on his debut in 2011. The £300,000 buy from Manchester United in July 2011 lasted just 27 minutes on his debut and hasn`t played much for Posh since.
He has spent time out on loan at Scunthorpe United, Chesterfield and Crawley Town but has failed to hold down a regular first team starting spot. He has played 37 matches on loan scoring just 3 times!
He was more successful when he had his original loan at Bury before signing for Posh. He scored 13 times in 28 appearances for Bury helping them to promotion to League One.
Goalkeeping coach Barry Richardson has left Posh by mutual agreement. According to Chairman Darragh MacAnthony: “both club and coach wanted a change.”
Rumours still surround Posh legend George Boyd with Nottingham Forest reported to be discussing terms with Barry Fry. Forest have brought in Darius Henderson since so their interest in Boyd may have cooled.
Posh Merchandise
Posh finally have a presence in the City Centre!
Merchandise is now on sale at the Destination Centre which is based at the Cathedral Square end of Bridge Street.
The Destination Centre now stocks a wide range of Posh merchandise including replica kit and leisurewear.
For more information about the centre, please visit www.visitpeterborough.com
UP THE POSH Follow me on Twitter: @mwl1967
Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
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