Curle urges academy trio to learn from 'fantastic experience' against Bristol City

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has urged his young trio of academy players to learn from their 'fantastic experience' of playing against Championship side Bristol City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Teenage striker Caleb Chukwuemeka, who was linked with a move to Aston Villa last week, was handed his first senior start by Curle at Ashton Gate while Ethan Johnston made his professional debut in the second-half.

Fellow teenager Morgan Roberts was also introduced at the break for his 13th appearance in Northampton colours, and although it was a tough night as the Cobblers lost 4-0 in round two of the EFL Cup, Curle believes the young trio will be better for the experience.

"It was a fantastic development opportunity and a fantastic experience for the young players," said Curle. "They're part of our squad and that's the pathway we want to have here.

"When you get an opportunity, go on the pitch and don't be fazed. I thought Caleb had some nice touches and Ethan won a couple of headers against Championship defenders.

"He nearly had a chance when Morgan crossed the ball into the box and you were thinking if he was another half a yard forward and slid in, he might have made himself a goal.

"He waited for the cross and then made his move and lost a yard. But in the future, when the ball's in a wide area, he knows he has to make up that yard and it's the same with Caleb.

"Caleb had one opportunity in the second-half and he just skied it a little bit and that might be the one opportunity he gets in another game where he'll learn from it because he's got to hit the target and make the goalkeeper work."

Roberts in particular had his work cut out against Kasey Palmer, who scored twice and was comfortably City's best player on the night.

"It's a great learning curve for Morgan," Curle added. "He was up against a very, very good wide player and I'm there saying 'what else have you got in your armoury now Morgan?'

"He's taken you on once, he's taken you on twice, what are you going to do next? Are you going to get physical with him? Are you going to let him know that he can't go where he wants to go? That means, don't let him down the line, show him inside.

"That's part of the game. Yes, you can admire some players but don't let them do what they want to do and if they are good enough to beat you, then you have to have a plan B.

"This is all part of their craft and their development that they will pick up. The best place to learn is out on the pitch."