Peterborough bracing themselves for battle to keep Jack Marriott after striker's brace against Aston Villa

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Peterbrough are bracing themselves for a battle to hold on to FA Cup hero Jack Marriott after he helped them conquer one of the clubs thought to be eyeing a move for him in this transfer window.

Manager Grant McCann knows Marriott’s role in the triumph over Aston Villa will heighten interest in the Football League’s leading scorer, who took his goal tally to 23 this season with a late double in this third-round upset.

Villa and fellow Championship play-off hopefuls Leeds are reportedly tracking the 23-year-old striker, who was snapped up from League Two side Luton Town last summer. 

Jack Marriott scored a brace against Aston Villa and there is plenty of interest in him

McCann was philosophical about the League One club’s chances of holding on to their prized asset.

‘It’s important we keep him. But this is Peterborough United, not Manchester United, and we have to cut our cloth accordingly,’ admitted McCann after his side had come from behind to win.

‘I don’t think the chairman or Barry Fry are trying to sell him, but there is no doubt Jack is way above League One. With his pace and goals, I am sure he could easily play in the Championship, or maybe higher.’

Marriott’s decisive part in Villa’s downfall put the spotlight on a player who has sprung to the attention of bigger clubs by spearheading their bid to gain promotion from League One. 

Grant McCann believes Marriott's talent level is above Peterborough's status in League One

But the frontman insisted: ‘I try to turn a blind eye to all the rumours. There’s banter in the dressing room and messages from my mates on group chat, but you’ve just got to brush it aside.

‘If I lose focus on my game, then there won’t be any speculation.’

He added: ‘I know Peterborough have a reputation for selling strikers and pushing people higher in the game. If something comes along, it is what it is.’

Chelsea fan Marriott capped a memorable afternoon by claiming John Terry’s shirt after the final whistle, and now he wants one from Eden Hazard.

‘It was surreal playing against him,’ he said. ‘To get Chelsea in the next round, and Hazard’s shirt, would be a dream.’

Leeds and Villa are two clubs understood to be tracking the 23-year-old forward

Villa boss Steve Bruce may well step up his interest in Marriott as he seeks to add more firepower. Villa came up short despite Keinan Davis giving them an eighth-minute lead.

After that, it was all Peterborough, and the only surprise was that it took until the 75th minute before Marriott headed home.

Ryan Tafazolli headed Posh in front in a frenetic ending and Marriott put the finishing touch to a breakaway third in stoppage time.