Nolan lays down challenge to Eaves after striker's return from injury

Fitness issues continue to plague the 33-year-old after a frustrating debut season with Cobblers. Following thigh surgery at the start of the summer Eaves is yet to start any game in any competition this season but he did return as a second half substitute against Oldham on Saturday.

He immediately showed what he’s capable of by setting up Cameron McGeehan, and Nolan is now keen for the former Rotherham man to finally stay fit for a prolonged period of time, not least to ease the pressure on teenage loanee Ethan Wheatley.

"Tom gives us something different,” said Nolan. “Ethan is a young boy who has taken a lot on his shoulders. He’s done brilliantly for someone of his age. Everyone forgets how young he is but I feel he has a very good chance to go far in the game and we’re helping him with his development.

"He’s done fantastically to help us as a team and as a squad but sometimes he needs a bit of a rest and he could also make a big impact off the bench. We haven’t been able to do that because he’s had to lead the line for a long time. We brought Jake Vale in to help Ethan with that but obviously that hasn’t worked out with Jake going down injured.

"Tom will bring something different and he’ll give us different options and the two can share the load and maybe both of them could play up top together. Eavesy’s going well but I’m working him hard because we now want to keep him fit between now and the end of the season, not just for the next few weeks.

"That’s the challenge. Tom has had some unfortunate injuries but he has to keep knuckling down now because he’s in the final year of his contract and he needs to prove to people that he still has what it takes to be a good footballer at this level.

"I was pleased with his contribution at the weekend but I want more from him. I want goals and I want him to be on the pitch much more so there’s lots of work to do with him.”