Northampton Town have signed Long Buckby striker Courtney Herbert after a successful trial spell at Sixfields. The club can complete this signing outside of the transfer window as Long Buckby play at a level that is not bound by such regulations.

The 20 year old has spent the last two weeks at the club, playing in two reserve team matches, scoring once, and has impressed.

"Courtney first caught my eye in pre-season," said caretaker boss Ian Sampson.

"He stuck in my mind and I was keen to get him in to have a closer look, and he has done very well in his two weeks here. He is very quick, he is very direct and he knows where the goal is. He is different to the strikers we already have here and that is important."

"It is a big jump for him to come from working in the week and playing part time at Long Buckby to the Football League but he has all the attributes to be an exciting player. He is very raw at the moment but the club is willing to give him a chance and invest some time in him."

"As a player I came from a similar level of non-league football at his age and so I know it can be done. We have given him the chance and now it is down to Courtney. I think he will improve with full time training and we have already seen that in the two weeks he has been with us."

"I am delighted to see a local lad get this chance. There are some good players in Northamptonshire and it is always rewarding to see a youngster from the area get their chance. He has plenty of hard work ahead of him, but we think there is an exciting player there and we think he could have a big future."

"I would like to thank Adam Sandy and Long Buckby Football Club for allowing us to take Courtney on trial. They have acted in Courtney's best interests throughout this and we are grateful to them."

As a non-contract player no fee is payable, but the Cobblers have agreed to take a team to Long Buckby during the next pre-season campaign.

Herbert has agreed a contract at Sixfields until June 2011 and is available to face Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. He will wear squad number 22.

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