Walker wants to hit the ground running

Peterborough United believe they pulled off a transfer deadline day coup by taking attacking midfielder Jamie Walker on loan from Wigan for the rest of the season.

The 25 year-old certainly has an impressive pedigree. Walker can count goals against Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers from his 176-game career with Hearts.

But the new boy’s career stalled when moving to Wigan last January. He arrived with an injury and found it tough to break into a side flying towards the League One title.

“It was frustrating to go from playing every week in Scotland to hardly playing at all with Wigan,” Walker said.

“But I was injured when I signed and by the time I was fit they were on a terrific run so I was happy to come out on loan and get some games.

“I was delighted to get the deal done. I’d never moved on deadline day before, but I wanted to join the team at the top of the league.

“They are obviously playing well and if I can help to keep it up by scoring and creating goals I’ll be happy.

“I will need to be at my best just to get into the side though.

“I prefer playing in a number 10 role but if the team keeps playing 4-4-2 I’d be happy to play on the wing or as one of the strikers.

“I did play a few games in League One last season so I know a little bit about it.

“I also know a few of the lads from playing against them in Scotland. I know Jason Cummings very well. He’s mad, but he’s good fun.

“There are a lot of Scottish lads who have moved down to play in England and I look to Andy Robertson for my inspiration. He went down to Hull, but now he’s at Liverpool and playing really well.

“The sky can be the limit if you perform.”

Walker had offers to join other clubs last month, but Posh manager Steve Evans is thrilled he won the race.

Walker made a goalscoring debut for Posh as a half-time substitute in Tuesday’s 3-3 Checkatrade Trophy draw at MK Dons.

“I first saw Jamie playing for Hearts against Celtic,” Evans said. “I went to the game to support Celtic, but Jamie made the biggest impression on me. That’s how good he was that day.

“It’s a great signing for us. The boy can play in any position in the front six. We are very lucky to have him.

“He lit up the match at MK. Their manager Paul Tisdale told me after the game that every time Jamie picked the ball up he seemed to be in 20 yards of space. That’s the sign of a top-class player.”

Walker is one of several players with a chance to break into the Posh starting line-up at Southend on Saturday.

Jamie Walker (blue) during his Posh debut at MK Dons.