Northampton Town have strengthened their attacking options with the re-signing of JJ Hooper on a six-month loan deal.
The 22-year-old forward links up once again with former boss Rob Page with whom he worked with at Port Vale, but will not be available for selection in tonight’s EFL Cup clash against West Brom due to late registration.
Hooper returns to Sixfields having been picked up by then manager Aidy Boothroyd in 2013 following his release by Newcastle United, being limited by his inexperience to six appearances.
But Page expects the Non-League hit to be in for more first-team action this time round after appreciating his maturity, telling BBC Radio Northampton: “He is a big physical lad, he was at Northampton before and he has matured a hell of a lot since then.
“He has experience and league goals now under his belt and grown in confidence because of that, and that will hold him in good stead hopefully in his second spell at Northampton Town.”
As things stand Hooper will return to Vale on 9 January, but Page believes he can continue to help the striker’s development after seeing him score 5 goals last season for the Valiants.
“Did I get the best out of him? I’d like to think so and hope I can again,” Page added.
Hooper falls into rank alongside captain Marc Richards, Alex Revell and Sam Hoskins, with the Cobblers struggling to two league goals from their opening four matches in League One.
