Holmes wants to earn 'longer term' deal at Cobblers

Ricky Holmes says he wants to earn himself a 'longer team' contract at the Cobblers and stay beyond January.

The 33-year-old midfielder has returned to the club on an appearance-based deal that is set to expire at the end of 2020.

However, that could turn into a more permanent return depending on how well he does over the next two months.

"I've signed until January but I'm hoping to stay past that and I can earn a proper contract," Holmes told BBC Radio Northampton.

"The club have been fantastic to even give me a contract because it was a risk - for both sides - given the amount of time I've missed. Hopefully I can reward the club and will be rewarded myself with a longer term deal.

"I don't think there was another club I would have come back to. Pablo (Garcia) was a big reason but also the love and support from fans and now it's just about getting fit and being match sharp. I've also got to get used to my team-mates - I was like a rabbit in headlights on Tuesday!

"But it'll just take time to get up to speed. Hopefully not too long though because I want to start winning and start scoring."

Holmes replaced Mark Marshall 58 minutes into Tuesday's goalless draw with MK Dons and almost teed up a goal for Fraser Horsfall with his first touch.

"I actually felt quite relaxed about it," he added. "I knew I would be blowing after five minutes but it could have been a dream start - I don't know how Fraser hasn't headed that in!

"It was great to be out there. It was tough to come on - it always is - because everyone else was up to the speed of the game and I wasn't, especially as I hadn't played for two years, but I loved being out there."