MARK Cooper knows he won’t need to warn his Swindon Town players about the threat posed by Nicky Ajose when Peterborough United visit the County Ground this afternoon.

Ajose scored 10 goals in 21 appearances during a loan spell at Town during the first half of the season, endearing himself to the Robins fans, management and players in the process, before being recalled by his parent club on December 30.

Swindon were unable to meet Posh’s asking price for the former Manchester United trainee, who cost the London Road outfit £300,000 two years ago, meaning Ajose will line up against Town today.

Cooper is well-aware of Ajose’s best assets, notably an uncanny knack to be in the right place at the right time in front of goal.

“I don’t know if Nicky will play. He was cup-tied when I watched them at Kidderminster. Our players know all about Nicky. They know that if they give him space in the box he can score,” he said.

“They’ve let Tyrone Barnett go to Bristol City on loan so they’re either going to give Nicky a go or they’re going to sign somebody else. Whoever plays, we’ll try to be as ready as we can for them.

“I’m sure Nicky will be very complimentary of the players who are here, he got on very well with them and enjoyed his time here. Obviously his future at the moment is Peterborough and I’m sure he’ll make the people there aware of how we play and what the team may be. That’s natural.”