Wanted man Barnett has Rovers in sights

The Doncaster Rovers manager was also keen to sign the former West Bromwich Albion youngster but simply could not compete in terms of finance.

Barnett, 26, has joined Posh on loan until the end of the season with a £1.1m deal agreed for the summer.

He will make his debut this afternoon against Rovers, who are desperately in need of points at the bottom of the Championship table.

“I was quite interested in Barnett. It would have been nice,” said Saunders. “He will be a great signing but we were not in that position.”

Saunders has given former Southampton and Fulham midfielder Fabrice Fernandes an opportunity to relaunch his career.

Fernandes, 32, quit the game three years ago after spells in Israel and Romania.

“He’s come out of retirement but it is going to be weeks before he’s even up to pace and match fitness,” admitted Saunders.

After surrendering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Yorkshire rivals Leeds United last weekend, Saunders admits that it has been a hard week for everyone at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“It was hard to swallow. We have been working our socks off and I have not seen my wife for 10 days,” he said. “But we still have a great chance. Portsmouth getting points deducted has helped. Everyone is struggling down there but the picture looks all right to me. We are bottom of the league but that’s because we have got two games in hand. If we win three on the trot, that’s nine points, and it makes such a difference.”