ACCRINGTON Stanley expect to go to Peterborough United with the same squad that beat Bradford City to return to the play-off places last weekend.

The Reds face arguably their toughest test of the season so far when they take on second placed Posh on Saturday.

Captain Seamus Conneely is recovering well from a groin problem but is unlikely to return to the squad this weekend, while Harvey Rodgers remains sidelined with a knee injury and on-loan Middlesbrough goalkeeper Connor Ripley serves the second of a three-match ban following his 16th minute sending off in the 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury.

"Seamus will be close to being back to full fitness, Harvey is out for a few weeks and we've got Connor Ripley, who is suspended. Apart from that I think we're okay," said assistant manager Jimmy Bell.

While Conneely is the closest to a return of the injured duo, Bell says the impact of on-loan Newcastle United youngster Dan Barlaser means the midfielder has a battle on his hands to regain his place back in the Stanley starting XI.

"He is and he knows it, and it will be good for the team," said John Coleman's number two.

"Dan Barlaser has come in and been absolutely exceptional and has raised the bar. Seamus knows this and I know he'll push him all the way to get his place back."