Midfielder Crooks still determined to '˜hit the heights' in a Cobblers shirt

Midfielder Matt Crooks says the Cobblers fans have yet to see the best of him.
Cobblers midfielder Matt CrooksCobblers midfielder Matt Crooks
Cobblers midfielder Matt Crooks

The former Accrington Stanley man joined Town from Rangers for an undisclosed fee in the summer, and has been an integral part of the team throughout this season.

The Leeds-born player, who turns 24 on Saturday, has performed well, but believes he has yet to ‘hit the heights’ he was aiming to when he moved south from Glasgow.

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Although he says there is still plenty of time for him to do just that.

Asked if there is more to come from him, Crooks said: “Yeah, definitely.

“I always review my own performances and I don’t think this season I have hit the heights that I wanted to.

“But we are only halfway through, there is another half a season to go, and hopefully I can produce a bit better.”

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The key to Crooks giving his best could be that he is now playing in his preferred position of central midfield.

So far this season, he has been moved around and played left midfield, right midfield and even had a spell in the number 10 role, and he also had more than a month out injured when he suffered a knee injury in the 0-0 draw at Milton Keynes Dons in September.

Crooks was just beginning to hit top form when that happened which was a frustration, but he is happy that he is getting a run in central midfield alongside Matt Grimes, and he is hoping that continues.

“I want to play in the centre of midfield, and I have always said that, so let’s hope I can do better in there,” said Crooks.

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“Me and Grimesy have played a few games, and I think it’s the first time in a while I have played in midfield, since the start of the season.

“It is always where I have wanted to play, so it’s been nice and hopefully if I can have a run of games I can show what I can do.”

Another frustration for Crooks so far this season is the fact he has scored only three goals in 22 starts for the club, when he feels he could have had more, and he is confident he can add to that tally in the second half of the campaign.

“I should have had a few more already this season, despite playing in the different positions that I have,” he said.

“A few spring to mind where the ball should have really gone into the back of the net, so hopefully I will get a few more before the end of the season.”