NORTHAMPTON v COUNTY (Today, KO 3pm)

FOLLOWING the biggest high of his managerial career, Justin Edinburgh believes he’ll now face his biggest challenge.

The former Premier League defender has enjoyed a myriad of successes in just shy of two years with the Exiles, keeping them from relegation, reaching Wembley twice and achieving promotion back to the Football League.

However, Edinburgh ranked Tuesday’s 3-1 after extra time victory at Championship side Brighton, which set up a trip to Premier League West Brom, as the pinnacle of his managerial career so far.

And now he thinks he’s set to face the hardest test as he pits his wits against Cobblers manager Aidy Boothroyd.

The ex-Watford manager had a spell as a Premier League boss and took Northampton to Wembley last season in the League Two play-off final, but they were beaten by Bradford City.

However, Edinburgh feels the Cobblers represent a litmus test for the Exiles, especially after their gruelling 120 minute endeavour on Tuesday.

“Northampton we expect to be very, very difficult opponents, obviously they reached the final of the play-offs last season and that tells you something,” he said.

“They have a team with lots of experience and a manager with lots of experience who has been in the Premier League and as a manager myself, it’s the kind of battle you relish.

“It’s a real test for me personally coming up against Aidy and a test for the team for sure.”

Meanwhile, Boothroyd says he will tweak his Cobblers side for the visit of Newport County to put the emphasis on their own attacking options.

“I don’t think we’ve given a good account of ourselves in the games so far,” he said.

“Newport play three at the back so we may do something slightly different but it’s important we put the onus on what we’re doing.

“At York we tried to play on the break and against MK Dons we tried to counter-attack (they lost both) but this is a home game in league two and we need to be positive and get on the front foot.”

Boothroyd has been impressed by the Exiles.

“They’ve had two very good results in their first two games and when you get promoted there is a momentum you take into the next season,” he said.

“They’ve got a few players injured and they’ve had extra time on Tuesday night but it will still be a difficult game.

“The aim for us is to put the onus on the opposition to defend and that’s what we’ll be looking to do tomorrow.”