Peterborough United defender excited about Colchester trip, Butler returns to action and Fergie stresses whole squad need to be ready to play in September

The 24 year-old will be part of the Posh squad taking part in two 90-minute friendlies (5pm & 7.15pm kick-offs). It will be his first trip back to the Jobserve Community Stadium since leaving to join Posh last summer.

Kent made close to 150 appearances for Colchester after coming through their youth ranks. He was voted the fans’ player-of-the-year in his final season.

“We got our schedule for pre-season and when I saw the Colchester game there, I was well excited!” Kent told the Colchester Gazette.

“I was really happy to go back and see all of the boys and as many people as you can see, in the circumstances of what’s going on (with Covid-19).

“It would have been even nicer if the fans had been allowed in, but I’m really looking forward to going back to the stadium.

“It’ll be the first time I’ve gone back there and played against my former team.

“I’m hoping to enjoy it, but we know it’s important preparation for our season as well, so I know I have to concentrate and play as if it’s a normal game.

“But there is that little bit of added extra on it, as I’ll be going back to where I spent most of my career.

“Hopefully I’ll have a smile on my face the whole time – depending on how the game goes!”

Colchester are now managed by Kent’s former youth team boss Steve Ball.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson is expecting an excellent workout for his side.

“Colchester are an excellent side with good players who play good football,” Ferguson said. “The pitch is outstanding and it’s important we try and get used to playing in a proper stadium with no fans.

“Most players will get 90 minutes tonight, but we are still looking after a couple. We need everyone ready to tackle what could be a hectic start to the season. Everyone is likely to get a game in the early weeks.”

Left-sided defender Dan Butler makes his first full appearance of the summer. He is likely to play for no more than an hour after recovering from a minor operation.

New signings Ethan Hamilton and Reece Brown are also unlikely to play a full 90 minutes.