Northampton sign West Ham defender Forbes on loan

Michael Forbes has made seven appearances for West Ham's under-21 side

Northampton Town have signed West Ham central defender Michael Forbes on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old can also operate as a left-back and has one cap for Northern Ireland.

Forbes was part of a Hammers' under-21s side who drew 0-0 with the Cobblers in a friendly on Tuesday.

The move reunites Forbes with Northampton manager Kevin Nolan after the pair worked together at West Ham.

"He was a youth team player when I was there. I know what he is capable of and the levels he is capable of reaching," Nolan, who spent four years playing for the east London club and another four on the coaching staff, said.

Forbes joined League Two side Bristol Rovers on season-long loan at the start of the 2024-25 season but was recalled by the Hammers after sustaining a hamstring injury.

He then joined Colchester United on a loan deal but had a reoccurence of that injury, so again returned to his parent club.

"He had some really bad luck last season but he is back now and we feel we can provide the platform for Michael to develop and kick on," Nolan said.

"We believe we can help him reach the levels we know he is capable of and that includes playing international football again."

Northampton begin their League One campaign on Saturday, 2 August with a trip to Wigan Athletic (15:00 BST).