Gannon saved Stockport from relegation in his first season in charge

Peterborough United boss Jim Gannon has said his side must improve away from home if they are to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Posh are edging closer to the drop following Tuesday's defeat at Cardiff and are without an away league win.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "We've gone such a long period without an away win and maybe it's a psychological thing.

"All I can do is ensure we prepare as best we can."

Gannon knows his men will need success on the road if they are to have any hope of beating the drop, but is looking for step-by-step improvement.

Posh beat Queens Park Rangers in his first home match in charge, but lost 2-0 at Cardiff City on Tuesday.

"If we can get a bit of confidence, maybe a bit of magic from one of our top players we can get ahead in an away game and give ourselves a fighting chance," he said.

For the moment, Gannon is targeting home wins rather than success away from home and he knows that at the very least his side need a confidence boost ahead of next season.

"If I was to look at the 18 games I started with and put them in order of potential wins, QPR would probably have been my top game to win and Cardiff quite a way down," he said.

"Middlesbrough will also be tough but these games are a good opportunity to practice our new systems and tactics and get ourselves ready for the likes of Ipswich and Sheffield United at home."

Gannon has been impressed with the attacking flair he has inherited, but feels his men can sometimes be a bit naive when on the ball.

"We had more possession than Cardiff on Tuesday and we need to learn to use that possession, get up the pitch and create chances," he said.

Ahead of Saturday's match, defender Gabby Zakuani is ruled out with the groin problem which has been troubling him since late October.

Striker Izale Mcleod is a major doubt, but right-back Kerrea Gilbert is expected to be fit after shaking off a knock.

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