Defender McDonald signs new deal to stay at the Cobblers

The 23-year-old signed a short-term deal last summer after impressing on trial in pre-season, and he has done enough with his performances to earn a new deal.

A former Stoke City trainee, McDonald was playing non-League football for Tamworth last season, but he has taken his chance and made his mark in the Football League.

He has already made 20 appearances for the Cobblers, scoring three goals, and has become a permanent fixture in the team in recent weeks.

“Rod has made terrific progress this season and we are delighted to tie him down with a new contract,” said Wilder.

“It is a tribute to his progress that he has been keeping more experienced players out of the side but he has been selected on merit, his performances have been excellent and he deserves his new deal.

“We have worked hard with Rod, he has learnt a lot and while he still has more to learn, there aren’t too many young, left footed central defenders around and we are delighted to have secured the future of a very promising and talented young player.

“He is a popular lad in the dressing room, he has a great attitude and a terrific willingness to learn, he has fitted in well and this is great news for the club.”

McDonald joins Lawson D’Ath in signing a new Cobblers contract in recent weeks.

The Liverpudlian signed his deal on Tuesday morning, before boarding the team bus for Tuesday night’s Sky Bet League Two at York City.