Cobblers to open contract talks with Holmes and Sheehan

Cobblers will begin talks with Alan Sheehan and Ricky Holmes over extending their contracts in the coming week.

The two players are set to be out of contract next month having only signed short-term, appearance-based deals as free agents back in the autumn.

However, both men have made a positive impact since arriving and manager Keith Curle is hoping to tie them down on longer-term contracts.

Holmes, now 33, had not made a competitive appearance in nearly two years before rejoining the Cobblers, but he's proved his fitness with one goal in nine appearances so far, starting six of the past nine games.

He scored his first Cobblers goal in nearly five years when breaking the deadlock just three minutes into last week's game Crewe Alexandra.

Sheehan, who last played for Lincoln in March, helped shore things up at the back during his eight appearances. The 34-year-old has missed the last four matches due to injury but Curle is hoping to have the centre-back available again next week.

Curle confirmed on Wednesday the club will start discussions with Holmes and Sheehan after Town host Gillingham next Tuesday.