Keith Curle discusses Benny Ashley-Seal and Harry Smith

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has praised Benny Ashley-Seal's attitude and desire to learn following the striker's recent improvement.

The 21-year-old, who signed a two-year deal from Wolves, scored his first two Cobblers goals against Southampton U23s in the EFL Trophy last week and then impressed off the bench during defeat to Peterborough United.

"Benny is a player that is learning and developing and improving in every game and in every training session," said Curle.

"We needed to see a more physical presence from him because he's a big strong boy and he can move well but sometimes I didn't think he used that physicality and his framework to his full potential.

"It's about getting used to body contact and being a physical presence without taking away his ability to hold the ball up, roll defenders and get in behind defenders and that willingness to work facing the opposition's goal.

"Those are all things he's working on and I've got to say, he's a joy to work with because he wants to learn and he wants to take on board information and that's excellent to see."

By contrast, it's been a difficult few games for fellow striker Harry Smith and Curle has explained why that might be.

"Without going into too much detail, Harry has had a difficult week off the field with a member of his family that hasn't been well," revealed the Town boss.

"It's been a very difficult time for the young lad and I think that was slightly apparent last Saturday because his focus has been off the field and I fully understand that."