Nolan gives Willis, Perkins and Forbes update after EFL Trophy win

The 31-year-old, who has a frustrating record with injuries in recent years, was making his 11th appearance of the season in the EFL Trophy tie but only lasted until the early stages of the second half when he had to come off for Conor McCarthy.

Nolan said: "Jordan has just felt something but he’s a real valuable member of the squad, as you can see by the fact he’s been captaining the team in this competition, and there was no reason to risk him so that’s why we got him off. We want him available for next Tuesday and for the week after and the week after that.”

Jack Perkins and Michael Forbes were both left out of the squad as Cobblers made seven changes from their 3-0 win at Plymouth.

"We gave them the night off,” Nolan confirmed. “This is Jack’s first season in professional football, the same with Forbesy, so it’s important we manage these young lads and get it right because we don’t want to burn them out or get to that point where it hits them hard.

"What you do is take them out and give them a chance to breathe and relax and enjoy what they’ve done and then they come back with the bit between their teeth because they love those moments and they want it even more. That’s all it was with those two tonight and I wish I could have done it with a few more but we weren’t able to.”