Curle could sign a centre-back after Turnbull misses Scunny clash through injury

Jordan Turnbull was injured during the closing stages of the FA Cup win against Derby County. Picture: Pete Norton

Cobblers waited until January 25 to make their first signing of the window when snapping up winger Mark Marshall on a short-term contract, but young duo James Olayinka and Callum Morton quickly followed, joining on loan from Arsenal and West Brom respectively.

Curle said earlier in the week that he’s still ‘speaking to clubs’ over other potential targets, and following Tuesday’s win against Scunthorpe United, he admitted he would like to bring in another defender.

Cobblers might only have one natural centre-back available for Saturday’s trip to Macclesfield with Jordan Turnbull an injury doubt and Scott Wharton still suspended.

“Jordan had a dead leg from Friday’s match and it was just getting worse as Saturday and Sunday went on,” explained Curle.

“He did the right thing because he reported it after the game. We’ve been monitoring it and he just wan’t able to get out on the grass and perform on Tuesday.

“But I’m hoping, if needed, there is a few players we’ve been looking at for that position.”

Curle has repeatedly insisted he will not be forced into signing players for the sake of it though, especially as Michael Harriman and Joe Martin, full-backs by trade, showed their versatility by slotting into Town’s three-man defence during Tuesday's win over Scunthorpe.

Curle added: "That's an important part of the structure we have whereby all players in the changing room are on the same page, whether they're playing as one of the three at the back, they're in midfield, one of the wide players or playing up front.

"If they swap roles, they know their roles and responsibilities. The lads that played on Tuesday have been unlucky because of the system we play, which doesn't have natural full-backs.

"But it's important that they've paid attention and they've kept themselves involved in the group so they've got a good understanding of the requirements.

"They're clever players as well and intelligent footballers. They've got minutes and games under the belts so they know what's required."