'Welcoming environment' is allowing new players to thrive at Cobblers

Olayinka was in from the start against Scunthorpe United on Tuesday while Morton came off the bench soon after half-time and despite having so little time to adapt, they both wasted no time to impress their new supporters.

"It was a challenge after the cup game and we also added in new personalities into the group but the important thing is our strength in the changing room and it's a very welcoming environment," said Curle.

"We've got a good understanding - 'this is us, this is what we do, this is what you've been brought into do, in possession and out of possession' - and that's the strength of the environment we're creating.

"Of course we want to bring good players in but they've got to fit in with us. They've all got ability, they've all got skills but they've got to understand of our identity and what we're about.

"I think very quickly the new players have enjoyed the welcome that they've received and they understand the structure - and none of them have been fined yet!

"But I think it's pleasing to get three points on the board, three goals and a clean sheet with three new players added to the changing room and having an impact."

Morton's good work won Town a penalty against Scunthorpe, converted by Sam Hoskins, while Mark Marshall was a little more rusty during his second-half cameo but there were glimpses of promise.

"Callum is hungry for game-time," added Curle. "He wants to get on the pitch and I think that's important.

"He caused problems as soon as he came on. He's a willing runner and has good energy and understands what's required of him.

"He wants to work in behind, he wants to put people under pressure, he wants to go and attack people and commit people, as he did to earn his penalty.

"He's got bundles of energy. He still needs to learn his trade and there's work that David and Colin West will be doing with him as a centre-forward and I think that'll be important for the lad.

"It was also good to get Marshall on the pitch. He's a little bit rusty and we don't need near post crosses, we want far post crosses and we need the ball stood up.

"But he wants to be on the pitch and he's desperate for game-time - and that hunger is what they'll bring to us, along with their skillsets.

"We're coming into a busy period now and it's a good time to have those fresh faces."