Curle and Jones are full of admiration for defender Sheehan

Keith Curle and Lloyd Jones were both full of admiration for influential defender Alan Sheehan after Town's 3-1 home win over Gillingham on Tuesday night.

The 34-year-old was back in the side after missing four games with injury and he made a successful return, scoring early in the second-half as Cobblers claimed their first win in five league games.

Sheehan's influence on the team since he signed a short-term contract in October is borne out by the stats. Town have won four and lost only two of the nine matches he has started in all competitions.

He signed a new deal until the end of the season on Monday and will continue his coaching role behind the scenes, although Cobblers will be keen to keep him fit on the pitch in their fight for League One survival.

Curle said: "It was definitely Alan's goal on Tuesday but I can assure you he hasn't been brought to the club for his goalscoring prowess!

"He's somebody I've had a good relationship with since my Notts County days. It's an opportunity for him to learn as a coach because he's got an appetite to learn the game and how to manage players.

"He's a player who's still got the ability to play games but it's also a chance to learn and develop his coaching style with the help of the existing coaching staff here and I think that's a great opportunity for Alan.

"He's grasped it with both hands but his primary role is as a player and he understands the game and understands his role and he can also have an effect on the players around him.

"He's the character we're looking to add to the squad - people who have been there, seen it and done it. He's got promotions out of this division and knows what's needed and having that experience alongside Cian Bolger is important.

"If you look at our back five on Tuesday, I thought we were pretty solid."

Fellow defender Jones, who played with Sheehan at Luton, also had kind words for his team-mate, adding: “I can’t put into words how I feel about Shees.

“I love him to bits and he’s so influential for me - I can’t describe it.

“I had a really good relationship when I was with him at Luton. He kept on at me and kept on at me and even now he won’t give me an inch so hopefully we can keep that going.”