Cobblers set for crucial COVID tests ahead of play-off fixtures

Cobblers are facing their most important round of coronavirus testing ahead of the League Two play-off semi-finals against Cheltenham Town.

Players and staff have been tested twice a week since they returned to training at the start of the month, with physio Ignacio Herrando so far the only individual to return a positive result.

He is now back involved in training following successive negative tests, however all players and staff members are to be tested again ahead of Thursday's first leg.

Any individual who tests positive must self-isolate for seven days and will then have to return two negative results to rejoin training, effectively ruling them out of the whole play-off campaign.

"It's more than keeping your fingers crossed, it's about adhering to the protocols both inside the building and outside the building," said Keith Curle.

"The medical department have been very hands-on. Not only with the testing but also relaying the information and giving players advice on what needs to be done and what should be done.

"They've kept us informed as to why we're doing certain things and that clarity has helped everyone."

Exeter City have already returned multiple positive tests and their manager Matt Taylor echoed Curle's words ahead of Thursday's trip to Colchester.

"That's the most important one because if you get a positive test then you're basically out of the whole play-off campaign," he said.

"All the hard work that would have gone on previously would have been for nothing, so I'll be sat with my fingers crossed hoping we don't get any positive tests.

"The positive tests we've had so far, the players have had no symptoms, and that's important to mention as people worry about people's health in these situations.

"But we've been really pleased that there have been no symptoms that have come alongside the positive tests and no family members seem to be affected.

"That increases the fact that we can make the players comfortable and safe in our environment."