Derby County goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell is keen to make the most of his season-long loan switch to Sky Bet League 1 side Northampton Town.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper completed the formalities of his move to the Cobblers earlier this week as he looks to gain valuable first-team experience.
Mitchell, who impressed during a spell on loan at League 2 outfit Macclesfield Town in the second half of the 2019/20 season, will compete with Steve Arnold for a place in Northampton’s starting line-up.
The Cobblers secured promotion from League 2 via the play-off route back in June and Mitchell says he needed little convincing when it came to moving to the PTS Academy Stadium for the 2020/21 campaign.
Speaking to Northampton’s official website, Mitchell said: “When I heard of the interest from the manager and the coaches, I was really excited about it and wanted to come down.
“I am keen to come in, play some games and really kick on.
“The manager has made it quite clear there’s no number one or set places, so as a player you have to work for it (a place in the team) and if you aren’t doing the job there will be someone there to step in.
“I am sure the competition will be healthy and I can’t wait to get going, as I haven’t played any football since March.”
Mitchell, a former England Under-21 international, has been with the Rams since 2014 after arriving from Newcastle United and made five first-team appearances in total.
His first Derby appearance came in the FA Cup Third Round in a 2-1 victory at Hartlepool United in January 2016.
He has spent time out on loan at Luton Town, Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town and Macclesfield Town in recent seasons and racked up 40 appearances combined during that time.
Reacting to Mitchell’s signing earlier in the week, Northampton boss Keith Curle said: “Jonathan will come in to add fantastic competition for the goalkeeping position.
“The challenge for both Jonathan and Steve Arnold is to compete with each other for that starting place and to drive each other on.
“He has done well in League 1 before; he is a good shot stopper and he has a presence.
“Jonathan has worked with Steve Arnold previously, when they were both at Shrewsbury, and he is a keeper who I don't feel has yet reached his full potential.
“He was on an upward curve at Derby before he picked up an injury and we feel he is a very good goalkeeper who we are pleased to welcome to the club.”
Mitchell linked up with Northampton’s squad for the first time on Thursday as they began pre-season training ahead of the 2020/21 season.