PETERBOROUGH United's Ryan Bennett is looking to stick two fingers up to Ipswich Town tonight.

Elvin King

PETERBOROUGH United's Ryan Bennett is looking to stick two fingers up to Ipswich Town tonight.

The 19-year-old full back was on the Blues' books as a schoolboy for seven years, and he wants to repay them for not taking him on.

Bennett made the grade with Grimsby before joining Posh on loan in October, and he is due to sign a permanent Peterborough contract for a club record �500,000 fee next month.

“I felt I always did okay during my development but Ipswich questioned my attitude and whether I was pushing myself as hard as I could,” said Grays-born Bennett.

“I know I play the game with a more relaxed style, but that just wasn't right.

“It will be a case of going back there and sticking two fingers up to Ipswich really.

“It might not have worked out at Ipswich for me, but I'm sure there are plenty of lads who were there that would gladly swap positions with me now.

“I'm lucky enough to be playing regularly in the Championship.

“Going to Grimsby helped me come on a lot. The difference between the facilities I was used to what they had there was incredible.

“But when you're shown the door at 16, you have to grow up quickly and find things out for yourself.”

Bennett was rapidly appointed Grimsby captain and since his move to London Road he has taken the jump to Championship level in his stride.

He would love nothing more than to help Posh pick up three points to lift the bottom-placed club to within one point of Ipswich.

Bennett admits to still being a Town fan, and added: “I guess I'm a bit of an Ipswich fan. I always watched the first team while I was at the club and even after I left I would still have a look at how they do.

“I don't know a lot of people there anymore. Ed Upson and Tommy Smith are about the only two lads still at Ipswich that I know well while Liam Trotter had a loan spell at Grimsby while I was there.

“I'm just as surprised as everyone else about Ipswich's league position. They have a good manager and have spent plenty of money, but that doesn't always bring you success.

“You still need the hard work and desire which are things I think we have here at Peterborough.

“There is a lot of doom and gloom about because of our league position, but a couple of good results this week will definitely help.”

Bennett was one of previous boss Darren Ferguson's final signings with new manager Mark Cooper expected to have Shaun Batt back from suspension and Charlie Lee back from injury.

Posh have not won for six games and have lost their last four away matches. This is their first ever league visit to Portman Road.