Academy product to be given place in the squad for final two games of the season

Cobblers, long since relegated, round out their campaign with home games against mid-table Barnsley (Tuesday) and play-off chasing Plymouth (Saturday), and there could be an opportunity for an academy player to show what they can do.

Midfield pair Joziah Barnett and Ollie Evans have already featured in the matchday squad this season, although both are currently on loan at AFC Rushden & Diamonds and the terms of those deals might not permit them to play. Goalkeeper James Dadge was given his Cobblers league debut on the final day of 2024/25.

Otherwise, Calderwood intends to pick a strong side for both games, including loan players. He’s confirmed Leicester loanee Jake Evans will start against Barnsley, even though he admits it’s unlikely he’ll be back at Sixfields next season.

"Everyone who is fit is available for selection but we'll try and get an academy product on the bench,” said Calderwood on Monday. “That's our intention for tomorrow night or Saturday, and someone will obviously have to make space for that.

"We'll see when we pick a team this afternoon. The boys on loan are still available for selection and Jake Evans will start on Tuesday, no doubt about that. He might be out of our range for another loan next season but we want him in the team. We want to give him and Kyle McAdam opportunities. Jack Vale comes into that category as well to demonstrate a chance to play here again next season.

"We're not going focus too much on Barnsley because the focus now is completely on trying to keep the group going until the end of the season. We know their style and they have some very good players, they probably feel they've underperformed this season, but we want to give our fans something to get behind.”