Hogg has 'food for thought' after trialist plays the full 90 against Cambridge

The 31-year-old former Ipswich, Blackpool and Bristol Rovers midfielder has featured in all five friendlies for Northampton having been with the club since the start of pre-season, but Tuesday was the first time he’s played more than 45 minutes.

Starting in central midfield alongside Jack Perkins, Ward lasted the distance and largely did well in a competitive and even contest as Cobblers held League One new boys Cambridge to a goalless draw at the Abbey Stadium.

Hogg has previously spoken about the need to strengthen in midfield before the start of the new season, especially now Liam Shaw’s comeback has been delayed, and the club are assessing external targets who might be available, as well as taking a detailed look at Ward.

"Grant obviously played in the middle of the pitch for us tonight and we were pushing Wardy to see what he had in the tank and he managed to play 90 minutes,” explained Hogg.

“I thought he did really well in there and he showed his experience and kept it simple. He's given himself a platform to go and perform.

"I know Grant well and as a club we just continue to take stock of where we're at and what we can add in the window.

“It gives me food for thought but we've been upfront with Grant in terms of where he's at. We'll see how the next week or two pans out and what happens in the window and see what else we can do."

With Ward playing the full 90 minutes, Tyrese Fornah remained an unused sub.

"Ty's absolutely fine,” Hogg added. “I had a little chat with him and the plan for him was to see how the boys went. Tyrese was desperate to play but it was part of his programme.

"He missed the first 10 days of pre-season for various reasons, he had a small issue with his foot from last season, and he's played a lot of minutes in the last week or two so we were just managing him. We'll see what happens on Saturday.”