Chambers: My Cobblers debut was 'tough' - but that's why I came here

The 19-year-old midfielder will spend the season at Sixfields after joining from Leeds United on deadline day as he gets his first taste of EFL football. And, just four days after arriving, he was chucked straight in when Cobblers hosted Newport on Saturday.

“It was good to make my debut and play in front of the fans at the stadium for the first time,” said Chambers. "I found it tough, I’ve not had many experiences of men’s football before so it was a big step up from playing with the under-21s.

"It was difficult and I felt like I needed to adapt but that’s what I wanted and I really enjoyed the experience. I don’t want to be stuck playing under-21s football and not pushing myself, I needed to get out and play this season and experience what these leagues are like.

"I think I will be a better player for it and I really enjoyed the challenge at the weekend and it just makes me want to get better every day.”

Chambers was asked what he found particularly challenging, replying: “Just the pace of it because the ball’s always going back and forth a lot quicker than it does in academy football. There’s all the physicality and aerial duels as well and there’s always a player right behind you when you’re receiving the ball.

"There’s just a lot less time and space, and obviously you have more on the line and the games mean something and that’s another thing that I wanted to experience.

"It means a lot to people and you know when you’re doing well and you know when you’re not doing well and that’s just part of football and you have to try and enjoy that challenge. It was good to play with something on the line and it felt really good to get the win.”

Chambers clearly impressed manager Chris Hogg in the days after joining to be given his full Cobblers debut so early.

"I was really happy that he had so much trust and faith in me because I obviously didn’t have much time training with the team,” added the 19-year-old. "I spoke to the manager quite early in the summer about coming down but I picked up a small injury and that set me back for a few weeks.

“It was frustrating and I had to be patient but once I got over the injury, the manager was quick to contact me again and I was delighted he did and then we got it all done in the final week.

"We had spoken a lot and I already knew what he wanted before coming in and having that good relationship has helped the transition.”

And it was Hogg who played a key role in Chambers’ decision to choose Cobblers over other clubs.

He explained: “He was very clear in what he wanted and how he wanted to play and it’s about playing football and not just kicking it long. He also wants to coach and improve players on the training pitch and that was a big thing that attracted me to the club."

Described by Leeds as an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide, Chambers operated in a left-sided number 10 role on his debut.

"I’ve played in a lot of positions but that number 10 role and playing on the half turn is where I think I’m best,” he added. "I like to dribble with the ball, there wasn’t too many chances to do that at the weekend but hopefully, as I play more and find my feet, I’ll be able to show that.”