The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Idris is ready to justify the hype that accompanied his arrival at Posh
Posh - Youngster is desperate for a breakthrough season
Idris Kanu is ready to justify the faith shown by three Posh managers and a chairman and take the Football League by storm next season.
The 20 year-old has made just two Football League starts since joining Posh in August 2017, even though his arrival was accompanied by some serious hype.
Grant McCann was the manager who signed 17 yearold Kanu from Aldershot and at the time he talked about his new player’s ‘unbelievable ability, desire and technical excellence.’
Posh reportedly beat off opposition from Premier League clubs to sign a forward seduced by the club’s record of developing young talent.
Steve Evans sang Kanu’s praises during his 11 months in charge at Posh and handed him his Football League debut at Portsmouth on the final day of the 2017-28 season and current boss Darren Ferguson was impressed by Kanu’s athleticism and attitude as soon as he returned to the club 17 months ago.
Ferguson started Kanu in a big League One game at Pompey last season and he played well as a wing-back, but a serious eye injury sustained in training the following week meant a lengthy lay-off.
But Kanu is fit and raring to go again now. There will be no more loan spells at lesser clubs. It’s a Posh first-team place he wants.
“I felt at home here last season,” Kanu insisted. “For the first time I didn’t get sent out on loan and I was pushing for some first-team matches when I picked up the injury.
“That was frustrating, but not as frustrating as the way the season finished for the team. We were flying and I really felt we would have a great chance of going up.
“I didn’t stop thinking about it during the four months of lockdown and I am sure the squad will use it as motivation for next season.
“Lockdown came at just the wrong time for me, but I will be ready to go again. I want to play more in the first team.
“I had a tough upbringing. I’ve been around adult players since I was 16 and you have to be tough physically and mentally to cope with that.
“Players at non-league level will knock you about. If you are a bit cheeky or you show them you are a lot quicker than them they will try anything to knock you down.
“It was all a good experience though and it should help me next season.
“I’ve been learning all the time. I’ve even learnt a new position as a wing-back and I really enjoy the role.
“It’s a chance for me to get one-on-one with defenders which I enjoy. It suits my game as I can use my speed and then get crosses into the area. I have a bit to learn about defending, but it can only help if I can play in a few different positions.
“I can go up front or play as a 10 and I will work as hard as I can to get into the team.”
Ferguson’s faith, and that of co-owner Darragh MacAnthony, in Kanu was shown by the offer of a new contract last season which tied the player to Posh to 2023.
Kanu, who has been on loan at Boreham Wood and
Port Vale, scored his first Posh goal in a Checkatrade Trophy tie at Northampton last season.