Hogg urges Swyer to 'play with purpose' if he wants to kick-on after lively pre-season display
Chris Hogg has urged Kamarai Swyer to play with ‘intensity and purpose’ if he is to realise his potential after a lively performance in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Solihull Moors.
The 23-year-old endured a difficult first campaign at Sixfields after joining from West Ham a little over 12 months ago. Injury disrupted his pre-season and then he struggled for consistent game-time, though did show flashes, particularly in the EFL Trophy.
Swyer has featured heavily in pre-season under Hogg and was excellent at Damson Park on Saturday when he assisted both Matty Warhurst and Connor Evans in the first half, before twice hitting the post after the break.
Given Cobblers do not currently have a wealth of options for that right-sided forward role, Swyer could have an opportunity to stake his claim in the first few weeks of the season.
"Everyone saw Kam last season but I've worked with him for six weeks now,” said Hogg. “When he plays with intensity and when he plays with purpose, he's a good player. It's about us trying to drive his level and him driving himself to make sure that he plays with that real intent consistently.
"He's got some good qualities, which we saw today, and he can be a real handful for defenders. He's got to have that mindset of pushing himself to his maximum every day in training and then going out there and producing moments like he did today.”
Another player hoping to kick-on this season is Tyrese Fornah. The 26-year-old often operated in a more advanced role last season, either out wide or as a 10, but he’s played in a more conventional central midfield position throughout pre-season.
"Ty's a good footballer,” added Hogg. “For me, footballers can play anywhere, and Ty can play in multiple positions, but I do see him playing central. He just has to bring his best to every game.
"He's been good to work with and we have to keep him going in the right direction with his football and his progress in terms of how he sees football and how we can play him to our style. His attitude is terrific and I'm hoping he can have a good season."