Nuttall 'desperate' to show what he can do at Cobblers

Joe Nuttall has had a stop-start career so far but impressed at Blackburn Rovers.

Striker Joe Nuttall says he's 'desperate' to show Cobblers fans what he's all about after joining the club on a season-long loan from Blackpool.

The 23-year-old came through Manchester City's academy and enjoyed a couple of decent years at Blackburn Rovers before leaving in search of more game-time in 2019.

But his career stalled somewhat after a big-money move to Blackpool last summer and with the Seasiders having recruited three strikers this window, he knew his playing time next season would be limited.

So when a move to Northampton presented itself, Nuttall jumped at the chance to try and get his career back on the right track.

"I think it's the same for every player at the moment after the lockdown - I'm just desperate to get back playing and show people what I can do and this is an opportunity to play regular football," he said.

"It's been a long time since I last played and where I've been the lads are desperate to play again and I'm sure it's the same here. I'm no different either - I want to get on the pitch and show the fans here what I'm capable of."

Nuttall may not be Northampton's headline signing of the window but one difficult season at Blackpool should not put fans off, and at 23, he's still young enough to improve.

"I did my academy years with Man City and then moved on to Blackburn," he explained. "I felt like I really learned a lot from the coaching staff and the players there and I've said before in previous interviews that I owe a lot to the coaches at Blackburn and also at Blackpool.

"Now I'm just looking forward to get going and showing people what I can do."

Nuttall, who has missed some of pre-season with a knee injury, played alongside Scott Wharton at Blackburn and the defender's success on loan with the Cobblers is something he wants to repeat.

"I know Scott had a really good time here," he added. "He was successful and enjoyed his time at the club and obviously went on to win a promotion. Hopefully I can have the same impact he did!"

And Nuttall's hoping to get straight into the action by featuring for the Cobblers in Saturday's Carabao Cup tie with Cardiff City, adding: "It'll be a good early test for us.

"They'll be tough, professional and experienced opposition but I'm hoping to get involved in that."