Several of the Rushden & Diamonds Youth Team players have gone out on work experience loans this week to get more experience of men's football.

George Cox and Dan Easlea have gone on loan to Northampton Spencer - who play in the Hereward Teamwear United Counties League Premier Division.

Connor Hayes has gone on loan to North Greenford United - who play in the Combined Counties League Premier Division.

Matt Evans has gone on loan to Spalding United - who play in the Unibond League Division One South.

Head of Youth at Rushden & Diamonds Paul Driver said "We like to get the boys out into the men's game to get experience of the quicker, physical side of the game that they will need to master to improve their chances to gain pro-contracts next year. If they learn how to cope with that they will stand a better chance of securing a deal.

We initially like to send players out to Step 5 of the Non-League Football Pyramid (as is the case with Cox, Easlea and Hayes), to see how they cope. It is a good physical level with lots of ex youth team players playing as adults.

If they do well at that level, as Matt Evans has done, then they can move up to Step 4 (The Unibond League Division One or equivalent)".