Northampton Town teenager Hornby signs professional contract

The 17-year-old Kettering-born Academy product has impressed since breaking into the Cobblers first team and has made 14 appearances for Aidy Boothroyd’s side.

Hornby becomes the second youth-team player to turn professional this season, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Dean Snedker, who this week earned an England youth-team call-up.

“Lewis deserves his new contract and we are delighted he will be with us for the next two and a half years,” said Boothroyd.

“Just like Dean Snedker, he has made excellent progress and the challenge he has now is to continue to develop.

“He has already made a good number of appearances for a player so young, and we are really pleased to have his future sorted out.

“This is another big pat on the back for our Academy, who are producing some excellent young players. Young players know that by coming to Northampton Town not only will they receive excellent coaching, but there is a clear pathway through to our first team squad.”

The Town youth team have already made history this season by becoming the first Northampton junior side to reach the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, in which they will play Hull City at Sixfields on Tuesday January 22.