Teenage striker Johnston signs professional deal with Cobblers

The 17-year-old becomes the second player, after Scott Pollock, to graduate from Northampton's football & education programme and sign a pro deal with the club.

Johnston was a prolific scorer with the education programme and continued his fine form for the U18s when he came into the academy.

He's signed a contract until the end of 2020/21 season and first-team boss Keith Curle feels it's reward for his hard work.

"There is always something special about a local lad coming through to sign a professional deal and Ethan deserves this contract," he said.

"He has shown tremendous development in the last 18 months or so and he has a fantastic attitude.

"We have shown we are not afraid to give young players from our academy and football & education programme their place in the first team squad when they deserve it.

"As we always say with any young player, this is the start of the hard work but all of the coaches and staff at both the academy and the football & education programme can take a huge amount of pride in this news, as of course can Ethan and his parents."

Johnston, who was on the bench for the recent Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie with Derby County, has been awarded squad number 31 for the rest of the current season.