Buchanan believes Gorre is adjusting well to Football League life

Dave Buchanan believes Cobblers winger Kenji Gorre is improving with every game.
Dave Buchanan (left) believes Kenji Gorre is getting better all the timeDave Buchanan (left) believes Kenji Gorre is getting better all the time
Dave Buchanan (left) believes Kenji Gorre is getting better all the time

The Swansea City loan man has been an ever-present in the Town team as they have started the Sky Bet League One campaign with five draws and two wins from their seven matches, and he is expected to start again in Saturday’s trip to Chesterfield (ko 3pm).

But the 21-year-old has found himself on the end of some criticism from some fans, with manager Rob Page earlier this week asking for patience as Gorre tries to find his feet in the senior game.

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Gorre had played only a handful of matches in men’s football ahead of his move to the Cobblers, and there is nobody better placed than Buchanan to judge how he is faring so far.

The Cobblers left-back plays directly behind left winger Gorre in every game, and he sees a steady improvement in the youngster.

“I think Kenji is doing better every game,” said Buchanan.

“He is a young player, he is learning all the time and I am trying to help him as much as I can.

“I am speaking to him and helping him, on and off the ball.

“I thought in the Milton Keynes game he was very bright, he won the penalty and got into some good areas, and I think it’s important he just keeps working at his game.

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“They think a lot of him at Swansea, and he has come in here at Northampton and has been in a team that hasn’t lost yet, so hopefully that continues.”

Buchanan says it is tough for players to make the transition from life in the under-21 bubble at Premier League clubs to life in the lower leagues, and it takes time for them to adjust.

“The difference for me, and I have said it to the young lads here, is that when the under-21s players come into the Football League, they are playing against experienced players,” said the 30-year-old.

“They are playing against men for whom winning the match means they can pay the mortgage and stuff like that, and that is the reality of life in the lower leagues.

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“These lads come in from Premier League clubs, and sometimes they have everything they want put on a plate for them.

“But when there is three points on the line and you are up against experienced players who have to pay the bills and put food on the table, it is a different ball game.”