Young Northampton Town star Ivan Toney has been told by veteran team-mate Marc Richards to stay at the club through the January transfer window in order to better his career.

BBC Sport have reported that 32-year-old attacker Richards, who is the clubs top scorer this season, told BBC Radio Northampton that he believes Toney's best option is to stay at Sixfields until the end of the season.

18-year-old Toney was close to joining Wolverhampton Wanderers last month before the deal fell through due to, in the words of Northampton boss Chris Wilder, "a few things."

"He just needs that bit of direction. I think it will do him good to see the season out here," said Richards to BBC Radio Northampton.

"Play as many games until the end of the season and see what happens."

Toney's move was poised to be a club-record sale before it fell through, but Richards believes the transfer's failure to materialise may have been a blessing in disguise for the youngster.

I had a similar thing at Blackburn. I went out on loan to Crewe who were in the Championship - I maybe should have gone to a lower-league team," he explained.

"I had the opportunity to go to Bristol Rovers for a whole season. I probably would have played more there.

"I can certainly see the temptation for Ivan to go to a club like Wolves but, from my own past experience, I would advise Ivan to stick it out here.

"There is hype around him but he's still learning and is still raw.

"With some good management he can be whatever he wants to be."

More offers are expected for Toney, who has scored 6 goals so far this term, this January transfer window.