Cobblers waiting for Arsenal to 'release' Olayinka as Curle praises 'determined' Smith

James Olayinka was injured on his Cobblers debut

The 19-year-old produced a man of the match display on his debut against Scunthorpe United last month but suffered an ankle injury in the final few minutes of the game.

After a week or so in a protective boot, Olayinka has gradually stepped up his recovery back at his parent club and now looks in line to return to the Cobblers next week.

"I spoke to Arsenal this morning (Thursday) and they're pleased with his progress," said Curle. "He just needs to tick the boxes for pitch-based sessions down there before they release him back to us.

"Obviously they don't want a player coming back to us with an injury or a partial injury so he needs to prove to them that he's in a good place.

"But we're happy with his progress and we expect him to be available for selection next week."

Curle was also full of praise for striker Harry Smith, who's on the verge of a first-team return two months on from injuring his ankle against Crawley.

The 6ft 5in forward was seen doing running sessions before games against Exeter City and Cheltenham Town.

"We've had to give Harry double pitch sessions to get him up to speed," added Curle.

"Tuesday was obviously a game day so he had one session in the morning, then they need their rest period and then we saw it as an opportunity to get a session in on the grass.

"He's not far away now and he's champing at the bit. He's not had many injuries in his career but it's credit to the lad how he's accepted the challenge from day one when he came back into the building.

"He's had an aura about him and a determination because he wants to get back playing as soon as possible and everybody within the group has noticed it.

"Before, he probably wasn't somebody you'd see in the gym regularly out of choice but now he's in there and he's enjoyed his rehab."