Gilligan scored 11 goals for Northampton last season

Northampton Town midfielder Ryan Gilligan will continue to play with an ankle injury rather than have surgery.

The 23-year-old was rested for two weeks prior to playing the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 2-1 win over Southend United.

Cobblers boss Ian Sampson told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's been causing him discomfort but he wanted to play.

"I'm delighted he's playing through the pain for the club. And I've got other midfielders if I do need to rotate."

He added: "Everyone's available for next week and the team isn't set in stone by any means."

Northampton Town next play Shrewsbury in League Two, before the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Carling Cup.

The Cobblers signed striker Leon McKenzie as a result of the funds raised from drawing the Premier League side in the Cup and Sampson says they hope to be able to add to their squad again.

"We've still looking at a loan signing, but we may have to wait a couple of weeks," he said.

"Another striker would be nice, to give us competition for players, and we're looking at a centre-back as well."

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