DANNY EAST has settled into life at Sixfields, and admits he would be happy to extend his stay beyond the initial month’s loan he has committed to.
The Hull City youngster could be in line to play his first senior league match today (Saturday) as the Cobblers travel to Plymouth Argyle in npower League Two (ko 3pm).
East deputised for the injured John Johnson at right-back in Thursday night’s Capital One Cup defeat at the hands of Wolves, and if Johnson is again ruled out then East will make his first league start at Home Park.
The 20-year-old has so far played in just two cup games for his club Hull, and the League Cup match for the Cobblers, and he is desperate to get more senior games under his belt.
And if he can do that by staying on at Sixfields, then that is what East would like to do.
“I want to play games and if Northampton want to keep me for longer then I am willing to stay,” he said.
“So if Hull don’t need me back, then I am happy to stay here.”
East made an encouraging debut in the 3-1 defeat to Wolves.
He made several strong tackles and looked solid in defence, but had little chance to get forward, and that is something he is keen to show the Northampton fans he is capable of doing.
“There is more to my game than I showed against Wolves,” said East.
“I couldn’t do what I wanted to do towards the end because my legs wouldn’t let me.
“I was actually cramping up a little because that’s my first game for four weeks!
“But I thought I put in a good shift, and hopefully I can go from strength to strength from here.
“I love to bomb forward, that is my passion and I would love get on the scoresheet – I have already dreamt about that!”
East was playing behind Cobblers winger Chris Hackett against Wolves, and he was impressed with what he saw.
“Chris is a real player,” said East. “Straight after the game he was talking to me and giving me advice.
“He likes to get forward which doesn’t really suit my game as he likes to go down the sides like I want to, as I want to overlap.
“But when he can do that and cross the ball how he crosses the ball then I will just leave him to it!”
The Cobblers take on Plymouth today protecting an unbeaten start to the league season, and East is keen for that to continue.
“It’s important that the team keeps up the good start in the league, and it’s important we win on Saturday,” he said. ”We don’t want anything less.”
You can follow updates from today’s game on the Chron’s Saturday Sports Centre at from 2pm.
Just go to www.northamptonchron.co.uk and click on the matchday chat section.