Peterborough have rejected offers from three clubs to take striker Craig Mackail-Smith on loan.

Mackail-Smith was replaced after just 35 minutes of Posh's last game at home to Ipswich 10 days ago as new manager Jim Gannon switched to his preferred system of one central striker, which prompted offers from Watford, Reading and Leicester.

But director of football Barry Fry said: "The chairman believes in the great escape this season.

"He believes we have a genuine chance of achieving the impossible and wants to keep all the players at the football club.

"We have therefore turned down offers from three Championship clubs to take Craig on loan."