BREAKING: Cobblers sign former Luton and Notts County defender Sheehan

Cobblers have signed former Luton Town and Notts County centre-back Alan Sheehan on an appearance-based contract.

Town manager Keith Curle, who has been eager to add to his defensive ranks, had a good look at Sheehan after he was invited to train with the club last month. The two worked together when Curle was manager of Notts County in 2012/13 and will team up again at the Cobblers.

The 34-year-old captained Luton Town to the Championship two years ago and has made has made nearly 450 career appearances, scoring 29 goals.

Spotted playing in his homeland, the Irishman joined Leicester City as a 17-year-old in 2003 and made 28 appearances for the Foxes over five years before joining Leeds United in 2008.

He also turned out for Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town but made his home at Notts County in 2011, going on to play 127 times for the Magpies across three years.

Following brief spells with Bradford City and Peterborough United, Sheehan enjoyed a hugely successful three years at Luton Town, captaining them to back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship between 2016 and 2019.

He signed a short-term deal with Lincoln City in March of this year but left in August after making just one appearance for the Imps.