Nabil Abidallah wants to launch himself into the spotlight by helping to ruin Colchester United's LDV Vans Trophy dream.

The Ipswich Town midfielder joined Northampton on loan last week and is eligible for tonight's southern area semi-final against the U's at Sixfields Stadium.

And, after making his Cobblers debut as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-1 success against York, he told the Evening Gazette: "I don't think the fans really know who I am yet but hopefully they'll have a clearer idea after tonight.

"At the moment, I've got no idea whether I'll be in the starting line-up but I'd love to play against Colchester.

"It's a big cup game against a well-organised side.

"I don't know much about their individual players but I'm aware of some of the midfielders I could be up against, like Thomas Pinault."

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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