Combative Johnson delights boss Sampson
Cobblers boss Ian Sampson has praised the 'hard as nails' qualities of on-loan Middlesbrough defender John Johnson.
And Sampson also said he will continue to utilise Malcolm Crosby's contacts in the north east to bring loan players from that region to Sixfields.
Johnson is one of three Boro players to have played for Northampton this season, alongside current goalkeeper Jason Steele and midfielder Josh Walker, who last week joined Town's promotion rivals Rotherham United for a month.
Steele made a vital save in the second half of Saturday's win at Port Vale and Johnson has been a picture of consistency since first arriving at the club in September.
He has been almost ever present in a back four that has played a major part of the side's push for the play-offs, and his innate toughness is something that fills Sampson with joy.
"I like to see that toughness in my players and Johnson epitomises that," he said. "He's hard as nails, the lad. He goes into tackles that I wouldn't have dreamt of going into.
"But he's sensible with it as well and he's a good footballer. I want players who can play as well.
"I want players who are good on the ball, I don't want a team of hatchet men and it's about getting the right balance."
Full story in Wednesday's Chronicle & Echo
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