Ethan Johnston: Get to know Cobblers' latest young star in his own words

The 17-year-old, who lives in Rushden, did not initially make it into the academy but earned a second chance through Northampton's education programme, following in the footsteps of Scott Pollock.

The FEP is a full-time education programme for aspiring young footballers aged between 16 and 18. It combines an education qualification with a sports industry specific work experience and, potentially, playing opportunities in the National Football Youth League.

Johnston was a prolific scorer with the education programme and he's again been a regular on the scoresheet for Cobblers' U18s this season, netting a pair of hat-tricks in fixtures against Leyton Orient.

But who is the latest young starlet hoping to break into the first-team?

"I'm 17 years old and I'm a striker," explains Johnston. "I live in Rushden so it's not too far away and I used to play Diamonds when I was younger.

"I like to run in behind defences and I came up through the football education programme at the club and through the youth team.

"I came on trial with the club when I was nine and then again at 15 but that didn't work out and I didn't get picked up from the academy.

"I went to the education programme after school, when I was about 16, and then started to train with the youth team before staying with them permanently."

On the benefits of Northampton's education programme, he adds: "There are different ways into professional football and I think the education programme here is a really good pathway for young players because it gives you another chance and shows you not to give up, even if you're not in the academy by the age of 16.

"If you work hard and if you have a goal and stick to it, it's never too late."