Adams has no hesitation about returning to action

The Premier League made the first tentative steps to the training ground this week but a number of high-profile names were absent, including Troy Deeney and N'Golo Kante, amid fears that it is not yet safe enough to play football.

The vast majority of players were on-board though and now Championship clubs are eyeing a return next week, with the Cobblers hoping to also be back in training by the start of next month in preparation for the play-offs.

Both manager Keith Curle and chairman Kelvin Thomas have stressed the importance of players sharing any concerns about playing during the current coronavirus pandemic, something reiterated by Adams.

"I've seen a few things on social media about people not wanting to come back to play or feeling it's not safe to play and I understand that," said the 33-year-old.

"If people don't feel it's safe or have young kids or their missus is pregnant or whatever, that's fair enough. I totally respect anyone's decision and they don't have to play if they don't want to.

"But there's a lot of other people who do want to play. It doesn't even enter my mind to be honest. Even if I wasn't as sure as I am now, I'd still play. That's my view on it."

As club captain, Adams spoke to all players earlier this week and the response was emphatic.

"I think it was unanimous from our lads when we spoke about it because we're all on the same page and we all want to play," he added. "We've got a great chance to achieve something special for the club and for the fans and as a group of lads we've worked hard for it all season.

"Obviously I totally understand and respect anyone that has a few concerns and it's their choice if they don't want to play, but given the amount of testing we'll do and the safety protocols the club will put in place, it'll be a very safe environment.

"You'd probably be more at risk in a supermarket or a petrol station. From my point of view, I don't think there'll be a safer place to play, especially with all the testing.

"We've discussed it as a group of players and we truly believe it'll be safe, as Germany showed at the weekend. These are exciting times and we're looking forward to it."