FEATURE: Buzzing Korboa 'very happy' to be straight off the mark for Cobblers

But, instead, all he required were 32 minutes of his league debut against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Named man of the match by just about every observer and scorer of a well-taken goal that ultimately earned Cobblers an opening-day point, Korboa couldn't have wished for a better start to life as a full-time pro.

“I’m very happy,” beamed the 23-year-old. “It was the equaliser so we had to get the ball and get back for kick-off and I didn’t have much time to celebrate but it was such a good feeling to score my first professional goal.

“The ball went up to Benny (Ashley-Seal) and fell down into my path. I came onto it and there was no doubt in my mind to hit it first-time and as I’ve hit it, it’s taken a little deflection, but I kind of knew it was going in.

“I saw the ball hit the net and then it was just excitement – it was definitely on target so it’s my goal!”

Korboa had already made a bright start to the game but he went through the gears after his goal. He was silky smooth on the ball and several times left Wimbledon defenders for dead with his nimble footwork and impressive acceleration.

His performance was not perfect, of course, but it was never going to be. As a start, it was hugely encouraging and he didn’t seem at all overwhelmed by the prospect of playing his first league game.

“I don’t really think like that,” he added. “When I go into a game I feel I’m here for a reason and it’s a chance for me to prove what I’m capable of.

“I won’t shy away from it. I want to get on the ball, get stuck in and do what I need to do and my focus is on the here and now and make sure I’m working hard.

“I’m here at Northampton and I want to do the best I can do for the club.”

Keith Curle is a big influence on all of his players but especially Korboa and the Town manager had plenty of nice things to say about the young attacker’s performance on Saturday.

He also saw areas for improvement, too, not least his decision-making in the final third and the need to be more ‘selfish’ by utilising his pace and skill on the ball.

“I just take onboard what the gaffer says and try and do the best I can do and work hard for the team - that’s my aim,” Korboa continued.

“The manager is encouraging and I feel like he gives me the confidence to go out there and express myself. Work-rate is the first thing you’ve got to have and once you work hard, everything else falls into place.”

As well as his quality and attitude, Korboa’s fitness is something else that has impressed.

He payed 89 minutes against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup and then lasted the full 90 against both MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon, all in his first week as a full-time footballer.

“It’s a challenge but I back myself with my fitness levels because I feel like I’m quite fit,” he said.

“It’s obviously a big step up and it’s a lot different and a lot harder and more physical, but I think the more games I get under my belt and the more I train at this level, I’ll adapt better and become sharper and hopefully start flying!”