Peterborough United players ordered to play the game not the occasion when Cambridge United finally return to London Road

It’s been more than two decades since the teams last met in a Football League game so both sets of fans in a potential sellout crowd are expected to ramp up the atmosphere.

Posh are seeking a third straight League One win, while Cambridge ended a five-game losing streak by securing an impressive success at Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday.

The ‘U’s’ have generally been excellent since inexperienced manager Mark Bonner took over the club.

"We will just concentrate on us,” McCann said. "It’s just the next game for us and we’ll play the match, not the occasion.

"The fans will generate a great atmosphere, but we have to make sure we have our house in order.

"We have to understand what they’re about and understand where we can hurt them, just like we do for every other game.

“I know it’s an important game for both clubs, but we have to keep our focus on getting our gameplan right.

“Having played in big games myself over the years, you can’t get overly thoughtful in terms of what’s going on inside or outside the stadium.

"You just have to make sure you perform. Us performing as a team will give us the best opportunity to win.

“It’s going to be an exciting game for everyone in Cambridgeshire, particularly the Posh fans.

"It’s going to be loud and we’ve got to make sure the fans understand what we are trying to do and we’ll see if we can get another three points.

“I don’t know Mark Bonner. I’ve not come across him. I’ve never managed against him. I do know he’s done a good job at Cambridge so well done to him, but I’m focused on my team.”

There is only limited ticket availability for the big game and none will be sold on the day.