Posh have won just three of their eight pre-season matches

Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson has left the door open for Craig Mackail-Smith and Dean Keates to start against Derby on Saturday.

Both players have been struggling with injury, but were given an hour in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Sunderland.

Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I was never going to play the players who are ready, I can't risk anyone.

"The ones that needed time on the pitch got it and they could feature in Saturday's match."

Aside from Mackail-Smith and Keates, Ferguson named a mostly second string side which included transfer-listed Sergio Torres and Danny Blanchett.

A Blanchett own goal and a Frazier Campbell penalty ensured Posh ended their pre-season preparations with a defeat.

I've been pleased with what I've seen and we're ready for Saturday Darren Ferguson

"We did well but lost two late goals, and whilst you obviously don't want to lose games, there were a lot of positives," Ferguson said.

Sunderland are the fourth Premier League side Posh have played in pre-season.

They lost against Tottenham and Aston Villa, but drew with Fulham, and Ferguson feels his men are ready for the big kick-off.

"It's been a great pre-season because we've only got one injury in Chris Whelpdale," he said.

"We've learnt from the games, I've been pleased with what I've seen and we're ready for Saturday."

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