Cobblers finalise Johnson deal

Northampton have finalised a deal to keep Middlesbrough's John Johnson on loan until the end of the season.

Full-back will miss Barnet game before new loan starts

Northampton Town have finalised a deal to keep Middlesbrough full-back John Johnson on loan until the end of the season. Johnson has impressed since joining the Cobblers in September and he has made a total of 15 appearances for the League Two club. A deal had been agreed in principle to hang on to the 21-year-old earlier in the week and the necessary paperwork has now been completed. "He's one of those players you can rely on. You know what you will get from him and he is popular in the dressing room," said Cobblers boss Ian Sampson. "He is doing well for us and gaining experience and we are delighted he is staying on." However, the new loan will not start again until the transfer window reopens so Johnson will not be eligible for Northampton's game at Barnet on Monday.