Boss Darren Ferguson has a massive selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola League One meeting at Walsall (3pm) with no fewer than four defenders set to miss the clash at the Bescot Stadium.

Craig Morgan and Gabriel Zakuani are away on international duty, Chris Westwood has a calf problem and Shane Blackett is out with a shoulder problem. Tom Williams missed Thursday's training session due to a bruised knee and Jamie Day will miss the rest of the campaign with a back injury.

It leaves Ferguson assessing his defensive options with only Russell Martin and Kieran Charnock the recognised defenders. Charlie Lee is set to partner Charnock at the heart of the back-line with Ferguson hoping Williams overcomes his slight knock.

'It is a bit of a nightmare at the minute. We have two away with their countries, Shane Blackett is not ready and Chris Westwood is very doubtful with a calf problem sustained whilst jogging. Tommy Williams missed Thursday's session with a knock to his knee, so we really are struggling, but I have every confidence in the players that will start.

'Charlie Lee played at centre back for Tottenham Hotspur before he arrived at the club while I have no problem with playing Kieran. Kieran is a top professional, has trained very well and I am sure he will do a good job at centre back on Saturday.

'We have got a lot of players unavailable but I am confident that we can get the right result. The lads are still confident despite the result in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night and we will give it a good go on Saturday,' Ferguson told theposh.com.

Posh are also without the services of Aaron Mclean (elbow), Dean Keates (knee) and Sergio Torres (knee) but the Posh boss is hopeful that the trio will soon be back available for selection.