Jake Evans scored the first senior goal of his career on Easter Monday, the 17-year-old netting for hometown club Northampton as they head towards League One relegation
Jake Evans has spent the second half of the season on loan at Northampton from Leicester City(Image: Jed Leicester/Shutterstock)
Leicester City prospect Jake Evans has an “excellent chance” of a fine career after scoring his first senior professional goal on loan at Northampton.
The 17-year-old forward danced around a challenge and finished with the outside of his foot to give the Cobblers hope in a match they ended up losing 3-1 to Wigan.
A consistent scorer at youth level for City, Evans now has a senior goal to his name, one he can build on as his career progresses.
Northampton’s interim boss Colin Calderwood can see he has a bright future ahead.
“It’s a lovely moment and you want it to be shrouded in a bit more joy and excitement,” Calderwood said.
“You can see that, with game experience, and as he matures in his body and his thought process, he’s got an excellent chance of moving forward and having a nice career.”
Northampton have taken just one point from their last 10 games in League One and are now on the brink of relegation, sitting 13 points adrift of safety with 15 left to play for.
Evans has been a bright spark for the Cobblers, his hometown club, and feels he’s managed to respond to some doubts over his age.
“(The goal) means a lot,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of games where I should have scored. Today it’s fallen for me.
“I wanted to peel off and celebrate but I remembered what the scoreline was. It would be better if we got the result we wanted.
“I’ve felt the welcome from the fans and I’m grateful for that. I didn’t know how they were going to be.
“At the start some of the fans were talking about my age. I wouldn’t say I’ve proved them wrong but I’ve wanted to do whatever I could to help the club and get them on side, and I think I’ve done that.”
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