Q&A with Jacob Ballinger: Who is the latest Cobblers youngster to sign a pro deal?

Perhaps lost a little in the news of Jordan Turnbull's departure and Keith Curle's new contract, young midfielder Jacob Ballinger became the latest youngster to sign a pro deal with the Cobblers last week.

The 18-year-old wing-back joined fellow homegrown youngsters Scott Pollock, Shaun McWilliams and Ethan Johnston in putting pen to paper on a new contract with the club.

Here's all you need to know about the latest talent to come off Town's production line...

How does it feel to sign your first pro deal?

It's a very proud moment. I've been at the club for as long as I can remember, maybe since I was about six. I didn't even think about being a pro, I just wanted to work my way up but with the help of my family - my dad used to give my lifts and my mum kept me going - I've made it this far.

Tell us more about yourself?

I'm from around Bucks. I played for a local team called Mortonville and fortunately I had a coach there that really liked me. He put a lot of effort in for me and tried pushing me to a bigger club. The first one was MK Dons but the trials there didn't go too well and then Northampton was the second.

I got into the elite programme and spent a year or two there. After that, I got moved up and my first coach there, Mark Lyons, luckily liked me as well so I had a really good journey.

How have you enjoyed being part of the successful youth team?

Last year was one of the best teams I've ever played in. The boys were great, all pushing each other, and so was the coach, Jon Brady. We had a really successful season and that pushed me on to be a better player.

What position do you play?

Left wing-back. I did have a few years on the left-wing and at left-back. I've also been on the right-wing as well so I've played in a few different positions!

Have you trained with the first-team before?

I did have two sessions before the Portsmouth game (in the EFL Trophy) and that was a really good experience to be in with the boys. It's good to see how they play close-up and I learned a lot from them and hopefully I'll learn more. The boys have done great this season and now we're in League One it means I need to push even harder. Hopefully I can try and get into the squad, learn some more from the first-team and carry on.

What has Keith Curle said to you?

The gaffer said to me to keep going and keep improving and if there's anything I can improve, like my heading or my weaker foot, then work on it. Now I'm playing at first-team level I can't settle for anything less. I've got to hit the ground running and try and make the team.

My contract isn't too long so that gives me some extra motivation to go the extra mile, but I'm just really looking forward to it.