Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson will hand a debut to right-back Russell Martin when his side travel to Southend on Saturday afternoon.Martin arrived at London Road from Wycombe in the summer along with Sergio Torres and despite scoring an own goal in the friendly defeat to Manchester United on Monday, will start at Roots Hall.

Torres will have to make do with a place on the bench, however, as he continues his return from an ankle operation.

Scott Rendell is fighting with Craig Mackail-Smith for the right to partner Aaron Mclean in attack while left-back Jamie Day is not fit after missing most of pre-season training.

Day's absence means Tom Williams or Shane Blackett will start at full-back, with Blackett's impressive display against Sir Alex Ferguson's men pushing him into pole position.

New signings Shane Batt and Paul Coutts will also be in the squad while central defender Craig Morgan will captain the side.

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