Holmes playing through the pain to push Cobblers to play-off glory

The flying winger admits he thought his season was over when he damaged knee ligaments in the win over Tranmere Rovers at Sixfields on March 14.

But Holmes made a speedier than expected recovery, and was back in the team for the defeat at Bury before playing a starring role on Saturday’s crucial 2-1 win over Luton Town.

Holmes spoke to the press after the game with an ice pack strapped to his right knee, and revealed he is having to take pain-killers just to get out on the field.

But he says that is something he is willing to go through week in, week out, if it means he can help the Cobblers extend their season.

“I have to manage the injury,” said Holmes, who scored the Cobblers’ equaliser against Luton from the penalty spot, and then played a party in James Gray’s 86th-minute winner.

“I thought I was out for the season with the diagnosis I got, but thankfully we went for a scan and it came back near enough clear.

“The reason I can play is that I have a few pain killers before the game, and I will be out there every week hopefully.”

The Luton win was a huge boost for the Cobblers as they bid to reach to top seven in Sky Bet League Two, and with seven games to go they are now just four points off their target.

Holmes believes a play-off spot is still attainable, but admits he and his team-mates have missed a trick in the past week or so.

“We should be in the top seven really, but we have had a few sloppy results,” said the former Portsmouth man.

“We shouldn’t have lost at Bury, but it is not a million miles away.

“When I first came to the club we were looking at relegation, so if we get in the play-offs then it is a bonus, and if we don’t then we can take this into next season and really drive forward.”

Holmes felt the Cobblers were worthy winners over the Hatters, but did concede they should have made it a lot easier for themselves.

The Cobblers had to fight back after Luton took an undeserved lead through Alex Lawless early in the second half, and Holmes feels Town should have been out of sight in the first half.

“We took it from the off. We were on top throughout the first half, and we just need to be more clinical,” said Holmes

“We had enough chances to put Luton to bed, and we could have won the game by four or five.

“But that’s the way football goes, and maybe that’s why we’re at this level because we are a little bit inconsistent.

“But we are showing consistency in our performances, at home especially, and hopefully we can go on a roll again.”