Curle: 'Natural goalscorer' Johnston 'hasn't looked out of place' in first-team training

Keith Curle has been impressed by the goalscoring instincts of Ethan Johnston after the young striker put pen to paper on his first professional deal with the Cobblers this week.

The 17-year-old, who lives in Rushden and came through the club's education programme, has been in fine form for the U18s and was rewarded with a contract until the end of next season.

And whilst it's always extra special to see local players rise through the youth ranks, Curle says it's Johnston's talent and attitude that has really caught the eye.

"First and foremost, Ethan's been signed not because of where he's been brought up," said Curle. "He's been signed because we've spotted and identified things we can improve, develop and turn into an asset for the football club.

"That's the most important thing and it goes down to the recruitment process we've got with the education department as well as the academy.

"Ethan is a player who has trained with us and we've identified that we think we can develop him and take him onto the next level.

"That's why he's been offered a contract to become a professional footballer. The lad will score goals and he's got a turn of pace.

"There's lots of things that he can still develop but I like the fact that, when he's trained with us, he hasn't looked out of place and he's able to handle the physicality.

"He can work on his physical development but the lad is a natural goalscorer and that's something that all football clubs look for."