Delighted Curle says Holmes will 'make things happen' for Cobblers

Keith Curle believes Ricky Holmes will add a different dimension to Cobblers' attacking play after the wing wizard returned to the club earlier today.

The 2016 title-winning hero is familiar with the current squad having spent the last couple of months undergoing rehab and working on his fitness before joining in with training.

Holmes has not played a competitive fixture in nearly two years, last appearing for Oxford United in December 2018, but his performances in training have impressed Curle.

"It's a short-term contract and it's based on the hunger and the enthusiasm that Ricky has shown to get back involved," said Curle.

"He's got an affiliation and an affection for this football club because he knows this club gave him an opportunity and he took it and went on to have a very good career.

"He's at a difficult stage now because he needs a platform and he needs to be playing for a club where the supporters will give him an extra yard.

"He's got things in his game that I like and I admire but now it's just about giving him the platform, when the time is right, to get him on the pitch."

Holmes is now 33 and has struggled with back injuries over the past few years, but Curle believes he's still got plenty to offer.

He added: "He's not the same Ricky Holmes that was here a few years ago but you don't lose that ability and we're offering him a chance to continue what he's been doing in training.

"When we've got possession of the ball, he wants it and he's a forward-thinking player and he's creative in and around the final third and he can make things happen, either for himself or for others.

"That's an area where we needed to add to the squad. He's a clever player, he knows where to be and he knows his next pass and that makes him a good addition for us.

"Sometimes, what you find is that one player can bring two or three others on in their own game and that's the continued development of our squad."