Northampton Town assess Darren Purse move

Northampton Town manager Aidy Boothroyd will consider whether to offer a contract to former Birmingham and Cardiff defender Darren Purse.

The 36-year-old is on trial at Sixfields, where Boothroyd has an ongoing concern over centre-half Kelvin Langmead's knee injury.

"I've known Darren a long time. He's played a lot against my teams," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"Kelvin Langmead is still not quite right, he will see the specialist."

Boothroyd added: "We're hoping he will be right for the start of the season but if not I may have to re-jig the back four."

Purse was released by Port Vale in the summer after playing 17 times for them last season.

The Cobblers boss also watched triallists JJ Hooper and Gary Deegan play in last week's 5-1 friendly win over Sileby.

Hooper, 19, is a former Newcastle United striker and scored a hat-trick in the game, while 24-year-old Deegan, who left Hibernian earlier this month, also had a run out in midfield.

"Gary's very hungry. He's not really had a good crack at League football. If he does well we may well give him the opportunity to do that," said Boothroyd.

"But I want to see what he's like in games and around the place.

"I'd like to see JJ against other opposition. The fact the lad scored three goals, missed three other chances and hit the crossbar means he's worth another look."