Cornell responds positively after being dropped by Curle

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has praised David Cornell's 'excellent' response to being dropped after the goalkeeper was replaced by Steve Arnold for Saturday's game at Grimsby Town.

It was just the third league game this term that Town's starting line-up did not feature Cornell, who has established himself as the club's first-choice stopper since the start of last season.

Arnold was in for his sixth appearance in all competitions and looks likely to retain his place after keeping a clean sheet at Blundell Park.

But Curle does not view either goalkeeper as his number one and will be more than happy to restore Cornell to the side when he feels the time is right.

"Dai's had a good season," said Curle. "He's got a number of clean sheets and he's done well.

"But, as with all players, if they don't maintain their standards that I expect from them then I've got decisions to make and Dai's no different to an outfield player.

"If they're not performing to the required levels, then it's a conversation and a decision to made by me and that's why I get paid the big bucks."

On how Cornell has reacted, Curle added: "He's responded excellently and he's a good professional.

"He's got a hunger and a desire and he wants to play but Arnie has come into the club and you try and create a situation where the competing goalkeeper tries harder and does more than the player that currently has the shirt.

"In turn, the player that's got the shirt tries harder and does more than the person that wants to take the shirt off him. That's how you create that competition.

"They're both very good goalkeepers and very good professionals but also, added to that, they're very respectful of their role towards each other.

"They're good people and good men."