Newcastle United bolster first-team squad with goalkeeper addition - manager confirms

Northampton Town manager Jon Brady says Max Thompson has returned to Newcastle United to be "around their first-team squad".

The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined the Cobblers on a half-season loan in the summer and went on to make 20 appearances. He was signed as back-up to Lee Burge but injuries to the former Sunderland man called Thompson into regular action.

The League One side held talks over extending Thompson's loan until the end of the campaign but the Newcastle have decided to welcome him back into the senior squad, according Brady.

With Nick Pope ruled out until April, Thompson is set join Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie on the Benton training pitch.

"Max has really progressed well in his time here," said Brady. "Once again, it shows how we as a club can help develop young players and he returns to Newcastle a better player for his time here.

"Max was good for us and we were good for him and such was his progress, Newcastle want to have him around their first team squad.

"We thank Max for his efforts and we thank Newcastle for allowing us to borrow him. We are delighted we have Lee Burge available again and Max returns with our very best wishes for the future."

Reflecting on his loan spell at Sixfields, Thompson told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo last month: “I knew I was coming in as number two and I was hoping I could play a few games and see what happens but unfortunately Lee has been injured a couple of times and that’s meant I’ve played quite a lot.

“I’m learning plenty and I feel so much of my game has improved while I’ve been here. I think most of it is about game management at this level and understanding when to do things and when not to do things. 

"It’s very different playing at this level, especially the physicality, and it is a big step up from playing academy level but I feel like I’ve done well in the circumstances and my game is improving.”