John-Joe O'Toole: Northampton Town midfielder still out of favour

John-Joe O'Toole has scored in both games he has started in the season

Northampton's John-Joe O'Toole has reiterated he is not wanted by manager Chris Wilder, despite scoring in the 1-1 draw at AFC Wimbledon.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who was transfer-listed in the summer, netted in only his second start of the season.

"The manager's told me I'm not in his plans. I'm at the age where I need to play and feel I should be playing," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I've been looking for an opportunity and hopefully I've taken it tonight."

He added: "But if you're not in the manager's plans you're looking elsewhere, hopefully I can progress here or progress somewhere else."

O'Toole came in on Tuesday following a number of injuries as well as suspension to Jason Taylor but his first-half equaliser was not enough to stop the Cobblers falling to 10th in League Two.

However, after scoring only twice in 42 matches last season, the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international says he is in a better place to perform this year.

"It's really disappointing, everyone knows it didn't go too well last year through one reason or another. But this year I feel a lot sharper and when I am put in I feel like I'm going to do a much better job than last year.

"It has been so frustrating, but you don't know what's round the corner. Hopefully, I can kick on and just get my head down, maybe change his mind or get noticed and crack on somewhere else.

"If I'm not in the manager's plans then it works out best for everyone if I'm not in his way and progress my career elsewhere."