AIDY BOOTHROYD believes Derby County will pose a ‘different test’ for the Cobblers at Sixfields on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).
Boothroyd saw his men miss a host of chances as they were beaten 2-0 by a slick Chelsea Under 21s side on Saturday.
It was Cobblers’ fourth pre-season encounter following clashes with Croatian minnows Novigrad, Blue Square Bet North side Corby Town and UCL Premier Division team Cogenhoe United.
The well-schooled Blues kids were of a much higher standard than what had gone before and they displayed a ruthless streak which was a cut above the Cobblers.
But it was a good workout Boothroyd’s side and he is expecting another big test when the Rams, who reside in the npower Championship, come calling.
“Derby will be a different test,” said the Cobblers boss. “It will be a mixture of the blood and thunder of the Championship and the guile and the skill they’ve got with the players they’ve got.”
Tuesday night’s game will see a rapid return to Sixfields for winger Michael Jacobs, who left Cobblers to join Derby this summer.
Boothroyd is looking forward to seeing the 20-year-old again, but is eager for his side to focus on the football rather than the former Town player.
“It will (be nice to see him),” said Boothroyd. “I like Michael, I think Michael’s a great guy and I’m pleased for him.
“I hope he gets the chance to show his talent in the Championship and I’m sure he’ll do really well.
“We all hope he does really well because he’s the type of character that is a real nice person as well as being a good player.
“But he’s gone now hasn’t he, so we don’t wanted to get too excited about him. He’s finished now, he’s moved on, we got the money for him and that’s great, we look to pastures new.
“We’ll shake his hand and then try to kick him I guess.”