Hogg hopeful over Donacien after defender limps off against Leicester
Chris Hogg is confident that Janoi Donacien has not suffered a significant injury after the full-back limped off during Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie at Leicester City.
Donacien, one of eight summer recruits, impressed on his Cobblers debut, particularly in the way he dealt with dangerous winger Stephy Mavididi, but he did not last the distance at the King Power, replaced by Joe Wormleighton shortly after the hour.
“I mentioned in the week that a few boys were carrying a bit of illness and he was one of those,” revealed Hogg. “He didn’t train much during the week but I thought he was absolutely terrific today.
“He was up against a top, top player in Mavididi and his one-on-one duels and some of his defending was really good, especially given the week he’s had, so credit to him.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him. It was just a fatigue thing and we’ll rest him up over the next few days and give him the right programme this week and then see how he feels going into the weekend.”
Hogg named five debutants in his starting line-up at the King Power but striker Matty Warhurst was not among them. The 19-year-old instead came off the bench for the final half-hour.
“Matty’s going to be a big player for us and I think you saw a bit of that when he came on because he made a good impact,” Hogg added. “He used his body really well up against some powerful defenders and he’s started to get used to those bumps and blocks.
“The plan was always to bring him on for a portion of the game and it was just about the timing of when that would be.”