Cooper is yet to win a match as Peterborough United boss

Peterborough United boss Mark Cooper believes his team must turn London Road into a fortress if they are to stay in the Championship.

Posh host financially stricken Watford on Saturday having won just two league matches at home since promotion from League One.

Cooper told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "London Road can be a difficult place to play and we can make it a fortress.

"The teams that come to town have got to know they're in a game."

Posh currently have just 14 points with almost half the season gone=.

Plymouth Argyle finished fourth from bottom in the Championship last season with 51 points, while third-from-bottom Norwich were relegated with 46 points.

"The supporters can help as well by really getting behind the team," said Cooper.

"If they don't jump on every little mistake and cheer them on, I know the players really appreciate it."

It has been a turbulent week at London Road with striker Aaron Mclean having a transfer request accepted by the board.

Cooper says he is happy to continue picking Mclean despite his desire to leave the club.

"Aaron's a good professional and he knows that whilst he's under contract he has to continue give his best for the club," he said.

"If his mind is right and he's ready to play then he will play the game."

Cooper was unhappy with the side's defending in last Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Coventry and has hinted Gabby Zakuani might return to the starting line-up.

Zakuani has missed the past two matches with a thigh strain and could replace either Craig Morgan or Ryan Bennett in the back four.

"If you've got a good player who's fit to play there's a school of thought which says you've got to play him," Cooper said.

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