Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan hopes to have new signing Dara Costelloe available for selection this weekend after the forward missed the 1-0 win at Mansfield Town.
The Burnley loanee was recruited on transfer deadline day but remained at his parent club for treatment on an injury sustained during his previous loan spell at Accrington Stanley.
Costelloe set to return to training
Costelloe, 22, is expected to train with the Cobblers at Moulton this week, putting him in contention for a place in the squad against Wrexham on Saturday.
“Dara’s fit but he’s obviously been with Burnley and we’re just on a schedule with him,” Nolan told reporters.
“He’ll be back with us on Monday and hopefully, if everything goes well, we’ll see him in the squad next week.”
Town’s other deadline day signing, Ben Perry, made his debut against Mansfield, coming off the bench late in the game. The 20-year-old midfielder handled the occasion well in his first senior appearance.
Perry makes confident debut
Nolan was impressed with Perry’s composure and attitude after being introduced late on in Northampton’s win.
“Ben’s a good lad. He came with a lot of good recommendations and I was delighted for him to get some minutes at the end,” said Nolan.
“He came up to me at the end and because he’s such a wonderful lad, he thanked me for giving him his debut, but hopefully that’ll be one of many appearances between now and the end of the season.”
“I’m really pleased for him and the way he trains, the way he is, the way he handles himself—he’s going to be a real good asset for this club.”
What’s next for Northampton?
The Cobblers’ win at Mansfield provided a crucial boost in their survival bid, and they will be hoping to build on that momentum against high-flying Wrexham at Sixfields this weekend.
With Costelloe’s potential return, Northampton could have another attacking option as they look to continue their positive run of form.
Writer’s view
Costelloe’s return could provide Northampton with a timely boost ahead of a difficult fixture against Wrexham. Meanwhile, Perry’s promising debut suggests he could play an important role as the season progresses. With momentum on their side, the Cobblers must seize their opportunity to climb further away from the drop zone.
