Morgan struggled with a toe injury during the second half of last season

Peterborough United defender Craig Morgan will not be taking his starting place for granted ahead of the new Championship season.

Morgan returned to action in Saturday's 3-0 win over Oxford after a spell out with an ankle injury.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "Nobody knows what the gaffer will go with so nobody is certain of a place.

"I don't suppose we will know the starting XI for Derby until the Friday before the game."

You never want to get injured, especially a week or two before the season starts, but I should be ready for Derby Craig Morgan

The former MK Dons player lined up alongside Gabby Zakuani at centre-back against Oxford with boss Darren Ferguson naming a strong starting line-up.

He spent the second half of last season stuck on the sidelines with a toe injury, but is confident he won't feel the effects of his latest knock.

"I turned my ankle in training last week, but it's a lot better now after a week of treatment," he said.

"You never want to get injured, especially a week or two before the season starts, but I should be ready for Derby."

Tommy Rowe, Shaun Batt and Aaron Mclean grabbed the goals as Posh ran out comfortable winners at the Kassam stadium.

Meanwhile, striker Craig Mackail-Smith was once again absent, leaving him very unlikely to start against Derby on Saturday.

He has been struggling with body alignment issues and is yet to kick a ball in pre-season.

Posh play their final friendly at home to Sunderland on Tuesday.

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