Jak's the lad as Cobblers sign midfielder McCourt

The 20-year-old was released by Championship-bound Barnsley at the end of the season, and Cobbblers boss Page has snapped up a player he knows well.

McCourt enjoyed a month-long loan spell under Page at Port Vale at the start of last season, and the Town manager believes he has great potential.

The Liverpudlian began his career at Leicester City and spent three-and-a-half years on the Foxes’ books without making a senior appearance.

McCourt does have senior experience though, having enjoyed a loan spell at Torquay United in 2013 as well as his brief stint at Vale.

He left Leicester in January and was signed by Barnsley, but he only had limited opportunities at Oakwell, playing just twice, before he was released by the Tykes following their league one play-off final win over Millwall in May.

McCourt turns 21 next month and Page believes he has signed a player with great potential.

“Jak is a player I have worked with before and I know what he is all about,” said the Cobblers boss.

“I think he will fit in well, he is a player with a lot of potential with a fantastic attitude and is someone who I think is very talented.

“He will provide competition in central midfield and has had a taste of playing at this level both at Port Vale and Barnsley and that will stand him in good stead.

“We have mentioned this before, but with the loan rules changing we want to have strength in depth and Jak helps provide that, while at the same time we have added a player of considerable potential to the squad.”