Kettering Town have signed former Rushden & Diamonds winger Marcus Kelly on loan from Oxford United.

Kelly, 23, scored 13 goals in six seasons at Nene Park but has made just three appearances for Oxford.

Poppies forward Francis Green has moved to the Kassam Stadium and will be on loan until a longer deal is agreed.

Kettering player-manager Lee Harper told BBC Radio Northampton: "I wanted to keep everyone here at the club, but now we need quality in all areas."

Harper added: "It's been a baptism of fire for me.

"I did everything I could do to keep Francis here, but he made it clear he wanted to play for Oxford."

Harper also admitted that the rigours of management have forced him to consider quitting his playing role with the club.

"Things might change with me in the next few weeks, I may have to hang my boots up and do the [management] job properly. The likelihood is that it won't be until December, but it's under consideration."

Harper has endured a difficult start to his management at the Elgood's Arena, losing the first two Blue Square Premier matches in the run up to the FA Cup tie with Leeds United.

"Hopefully our luck will turn around, but we have to work hard.

"We've lost these two games but there'll be a big crowd in here for Leeds and hopefully that'll lift the players to perform."

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