Peterborough v Ipswich: Mick McCarthy may have to give youth a chance as Ipswich Town’s crucial clash at fellow strugglers Peterborough United looms.

Defenders Reece Brown and Elliott Hewitt have just six Championship appearances between them but could be thrust into action at second-bottom but free-scoring Posh, with right back Richard Stearman banned, following his dismissal at Nottingham Forest.

Carlos Edwards could return at London Road on Saturday, where he was part of the nine-man Blues team hammered 7-1 against Darren Ferguson’s men last season, having missed Tuesday’s game with a groin problem.

Brown, 21, who can also play at centre-back, made his bow as a second half substitute at the City Ground on Tuesday, while eighteen-year-old Hewitt – an orthodox right-back – came on in midfield.

They may fit the bill in terms of position but could face a baptism of fire in Cambridgeshire, with Posh having plundered 53 goals this season, more than any other club in the bottom 12.

Manchester United loanee, Brown said: “There is good competition in the squad as Elliott also plays at right-back, so we have got to just keep working hard in training and show the gaffer what we can do,

“The game at Forest was my first competitive football since before Christmas, as I was not in Mark Robins’ plans at Coventry, but I told Mick McCarthy I was sweet when I was called upon on Tuesday.

“I am in my final season at Manchester United and I have not spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson. I just want to concentrate on getting in the Ipswich team.”

Saturday’s hosts could also move out of the relegation zone with victory, while a win for Ipswich could see them elevated as high as 15th in the table.

A relatively-settled back four, since McCarthy’s arrival, has been a key factor in Town’s revival, with Aaron Cresswell an ever-present under the former Wolves boss and Tommy Smith and Luke Chambers having failed to start in just three and two games respectively.

At right-back, Stearman seamlessly filled the role left by Bradley Orr and Town have picked up three wins and a draw from seven games, keeping four clean sheets, since his arrival.

With Stephen Henderson growing in stature in goal, McCarthy will be reluctant to break up an impressive unit, but has no choice on Saturday.