A Good Week For Keepers Old & New

Last updated : 09 January 2013 By County Ground

Cobblers youngster Dean Snedker is one of the youngsters called up for a special training camp at the FA's new St George's Park centre in Burton where he will be put through his paces alongside goalkeepers from some of the country's top clubs.

"This is a terrific opportunity for Dean," said Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd, who also paid tribute to the club's academy.

"He is only 18 but there are not too many 18-year-old keepers who have played first-team football and this call up shows the progress he is making - being recognised at the highest level of the game."

Good news for Dean and Town but also an indication perhaps that the long-awaited National Football Centre really will lead to a long-term improvement in the fortunes of the England national team as potential internationals of the future are identified and handed a taster of what may be to come.

At the other end of his career he may be but former Cobblers loanee Matt Duke has experienced what it is like to be in the national spotlight after his heroics for Bradford City in the League Cup.

The 35-year-old starred as Northampton's League Two rivals beat Aston Villa on Tuesday night to move within 90 minutes of a stunning Wembley appearance.

"I think it's up amongst my best games," he said afterwards. 

"I've played a lot of standards from Sunday league finals upwards and I'm just thankful that tonight was one of those nights where you are able to make saves."