Northampton midfielder Ryan Gilligan is glad to back in training and pleased with the progress of the team bonding.

Although pre-season is primarily about fitness, Gilligan has been pleased to see the footballs out on the training park.

"It's nice to be back and the banter has started already," the 21-year-old told the club's official website.

"We were all really close at the end of last season and hopefully with the new players coming in we can kick on with the tightness of the group.

"All the lads were expecting it to be double sessions in pre-season and we have not been disappointed but we are doing some ball work and that is great.

"It is obviously important for you to get your base fitness up but it is nice to do some work with the ball so early on in pre-season as well."