Chris Wilder also working to add more new faces to the squad
Cobblers boss Chris Wilder has said he is pleased that the majority of the players came through the week in Sussex well.
“Most of the squad came through the week okay, we have got a couple of little niggles but that’s what you expect in pre-season and there is nothing too serious,” he said.
“Ricky Holmes has got a bit of a tight groin and that’s why he didn’t play last Saturday.
“We were disappointed with Brendan Moloney having to have an op and we’ve spoken about that but he is recovering really well.
“Evan Horwood worked extremely hard during the week as well but we certainly won’t be taking risks with any of the players at this stage.
“We are getting more minutes into the players as we go through pre-season and I think on Saturday against Derby you will see a more definite starting eleven and things starting to take shape in terms of what we are going to do.
“We are still short in two or three areas and we are working hard under the surface. We still need a left-footed centre half, possibly another midfielder and another striker.
“It’s a tough competition and if we want to go well this year we need to have a tough, competitive squad.”