Cobblers must wait before finding out if loanees will return

Cobblers may have to wait until the final week or two of pre-season before finding out if Scott Wharton and Callum Morton will return on loan next season.

Manager Keith Curle has made no secret of his desire to bring both players back to the PTS for Town's League One return following their impressive performances last season.

Wharton was a mainstay of the back three, playing 43 games in all competitions, while Morton scored eight in 12 after joining on loan from West Brom in January.

It is hoped that the duo's excellent progress at the Cobblers will be enough to persuade their parent clubs to loan them back to Sixfields, although both men might first want to try and break into the first-team.

That applies to Wharton in particular as he eyes a place in Blackburn's defence when they begin their Championship campaign next month, but Morton will likely have to wait following West Brom's promotion to the Premier League.

And with other League One clubs interested in both men, the Cobblers will have to be patient.

"The lines of communication are still open between the clubs but we have to play the waiting game because they're at their parent clubs at the moment," said Curle.

"The parent clubs were pleased with their progress that they showed on loan with us but both players have gone back and understandably their clubs want to have a look at them and find out how much they have progressed within their environment and how close they are to their first-teams.

"With West Brom getting promoted, you'd probably say Callum may need another year of development out on loan becuause he needs to be playing football.

"It's the same with Scotty Wharton. Blackburn have watched him and they're very pleased with his progress, but now it's all about their opinion - is he that step closer that's needed to be a Championship player?

"If they decide that he's not quite ready just yet, he may need another year at a lower level, probably League One."