Blackburn's Wharton enjoying one of his 'best seasons' at Cobblers

Centre-back Scott Wharton says this season has been one of 'best ever' as he continues to play a key role in Cobblers' bid for promotion out of Sky Bet League Two.

The 22-year-old, on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers, played 17 games in 2017/18 and then 31 games for Lincoln and Bury last season.

He's already well beyond that tally this year, up to 39 appearances in all competitions, and he will continue to be integral to Town's success over the remaining 10 fixtures of the season.

Wharton has been a regular in Town's back three, either on the left side or in the middle, and has only missed out through suspension or injury.

"I'm enjoying my time at the club," said Wharton. "I don't really mind where I play in the back three, whether it's left or in the centre.

"It doesn't make too much difference to me to be honest. The manager likes to change it up some games but I don't know the reason behind it.

"But it doesn't bother me. It's nice to be back playing (after suspension) because I think it's been one of my best seasons for myself and I'm loving it.

"It's been my best season in terms of games played and there's still 10 to go so I'm really happy with how it's going so far and I'm looking forward to the last couple of months."

Having missed a game through injury and then only made the bench for Cheltenham, Wharton was back in the starting line-up on Saturday when Cobblers beat Grimsby 3-0.

"It was a great response and a great performance," he added.

"We knew it would be a tough game, especially following the defeat at Cheltenham, but to go away to Grimsby and score three goals, get three points and keep a clean sheet makes it a great weekend for us.

"I thought we played really well in the second-half and we saw the game out a lot better than what we had done previously when we've been 2-0 up.

"It was very pleasing from that point of view and the lads did well. We stayed focus for the full 90 minutes and we deservedly came away with the three points."