THE Geordie midfielder repaid his manager's faith with a gutsy display against the Cobblers.

The player has taken some dreadful stick from the Town faithful in the last few games but no fair-minded fan could criticise his contribution at Sixfields on Saturday.

He looked confident, composed and dangerous.

His darting runs from midfield were not indicative of a player lacking belief in his own ability.

Andy King has often spoken about the qualities of the former Nottingham Forest man and here was an occasion where the player showed just what he is capable of producing.

The only real criticism is that he seemed reluctant to have a crack at goal when he had a chance. He has shown in the past that he is well capable of scoring from long distance.

Hopefully his confidence will have been boosted and he will be able to take a grip of the midfield in the important games approaching.