Curle outlines reasons behind decision to loan out Smith

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has outlined the reasons behind his decision to send striker Harry Smith out on loan to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

Smith has found himself down the pecking order at Northampton, all the more so following the recent additions of Mickel Miller and Ryan Edmondson.

With that in mind, and with the need to trim his squad, Curle was happy to let the striker leave this month.

"I've had conversations with Harry and what he needs now is a run of games and that's not something I could guarantee him here," said Curle.

"He'll go up to Scotland, get some more game-time and hopefully score goals and maintain his progression and his development.

"All centre-forwards need game-time, they need to be scoring goals and they need to be playing competitively and that's not something I was able to promise him here so he took the opportunity to leave on loan.

"He did have a number options in League Two and a few options in League One but he's chosen the challenge of going to Scotland.

"His first game is against Aberdeen and he also plays against Celtic and Rangers as well so it'll be a good experience for the lad but ultimately he's gone up there on a mission to play well, play games and score goals."