Curle to ring the changes against Exeter in Papa John's Trophy

Keith Curle is set to ring the changes when Cobblers go to Exeter City for Tuesday's Papa John's Trophy second-round tie at St James Park.

Town play eight games in December so Curle will use this cup tie as an opportunity to rest several first-team regulars and hand game-time to those on the periphery.

"It might be a chance for other players to get some game-time because we're going into a busy period and players will have to up to match speed," said Curle.

"This will be an opportunity for other players who have been dipping their toes in and on the fringes of the team to get some minutes and make sure they fully understand what's required of them when they represent the football club.

"It's also a chance to show they understand what's required on the pitch because we're trying to get a solid base to work from and that means we need everybody in the squad to be on the same page.

"We do a lot of work in terms of 11 v 11 in training but sometimes, being in the team, you get another perspective of it rather than being on the other side and trying to break down the other 11 in training."

Curle was tight-lipped over the injuries suffered by Cian Bolger and Alan Sheehan but he insists he's not concerned by Town's depleted defensive options despite Joseph Mills also currently out.

"It is what it is and we will deal with it," he said. "We have versatile players who can play in a variety of positions and that was a vital part of our recruitment when we put the squad together.

"They might not be orthodox centre-backs but they have an understanding of where they need to be and what they need to do. We need a number of players that have got that flexibility to adjust this season."