Cobblers boss Curle believes there is more to come from striker van Veen

The Dutchman has seemingly overcome a difficult start to his Town career, and last Saturday produced a classy turn and finish to score the Cobblers’ second goal in their 3-2 FA Cup defeat at Lincoln City.

The strike was his seventh of the season to take him two goals clear at the top of the Town scoring charts, and it came just moments after an outrageous long-range effort was brilliantly saved by Imps goalkeeper Josh Vickers.

They were two moments of magic from the Dutchman, who is at last starting to find some consistency after struggling to hit his best form following his signing from Scunthorpe United for a six-figure sum in the January transfer window.

Curle has been delighted with van Veen’s contribution since he took over from Dean Austin, but believes there is still plenty in the tank when it comes to the 27-year-old.

“I think there is more to come from him” said the Cobblers boss.

“There are things within Kevin’s game that come naturally to him that we are trying to expand on.

“There are other aspects within his game that is not natural in his make-up, and we are trying to implement that.

“But we then don’t want to take away the creativity.

“It is about increasing the workload and the work ethic, but maintaining the ability for Kevin to go and express himself and do the unexpected.

“He is a superb talent and has got great ability, and we are trying to get that ability in line and in tune with the work ethic we are putting in place.

“I have to say, Kevin has taken great steps forward in all directions.”