Peterborough United were hoping to sign Rob Street in the transfer window, but this weekend the forward is set to line up against them.
Lincoln City’s forward scored a memorable goal against Chelsea in the League Cup this week, and is in line for a start at London Road. While Harry Leonard, the player whom Posh did sign, remains goalless, Street is in good form.
Michael Skubala on Street
In fact, he’s on such good form that Imps head coach Michael Skubala claimed he ‘always looked like he was going to score’ against Chelsea.
“He always looked like he was going to score, and that’s the main thing. He might not have, but he always looked threatening and capable of scoring at any point because of his quality and speed. It was a great one to get against Chelsea in the cup.”
Posh would have played Street as a nine, whereas the Imps have had him out wide on the right, a position from which he has scored, but also collected a red card. However, competition for places means the former Shrewsbury Town man has to take his chances elsewhere on the field.
“Whenever we’ve played him as a nine he’s looked good,” added Skubala. “Obviously with Collo (James Collins) in the building, Freddie (Draper), and now Justin (Obikwu), we’ve got so many options.”
Street remained at Sincil Bank
Despite the competition for places, Skubala was adamant he wanted to keep Street at Sincil Bank. Posh’s bid was believed to be more than £1 million, a fee Lincoln got for Jovon Makama, but Skubala believes there is more to come.
“We know what he’s about and that’s why we wanted to keep him here in the window. We think he’s got more development, more to offer.
“The good thing about the group at the moment is they’re all chipping in with goals. Housey (Ben House) has scored a few, Collo’s obviously scoring, Justin’s got a goal, Freddie’s got a goal, and now Rob’s got his.”
Street is likely to start this weekend at London Road, as the Imps look for their first win against their rivals since 2006, when a Ryan Amoo brace earned them a 2-1 victory.
Writer’s View
Lincoln City’s decision to resist a seven-figure bid for Rob Street already looks justified. His strike against Chelsea underlined his value, and his versatility across the front line gives Michael Skubala options few League One sides can match.
Peterborough may wonder what might have been, particularly with Harry Leonard yet to find the net, but for the Imps, Street’s development is gathering pace at just the right time. With confidence high and competition for places fierce, Saturday offers the perfect stage for him to show why Lincoln were right to hold firm in the summer.
