Aidy Boothroyd is hoping that he can get the best of Ishmel Demontagnac after the 24-year-old winger joined Northampton Town on a free transfer.
Demontagnac burst onto the scene when he made his debut for Walsall in League One aged just 17 in 2005, scoring a goal and setting up another in the 3-2 loss at Port Vale.
But he was released three years later after several disciplinary incidents, before going on to play for Blackpool and Notts County, as well as having loan spells at Chesterfield and Stockport County.
The left-footed winger spent last season at Meadow Lane but was released in May after making just two starts, with 18 substitute appearances.
Demontagnac has now agreed a two-year deal with Northampton and manager Boothroyd believes he can get his career back on track at Sixfields.
"Ishmel is a very talented young player that has lost his way a little bit," he said.
"He needs a platform to show what he is all about and I think we can give him that.
"He's got a terrific left foot, he's very, very quick and I think he will frighten the life out of the opposition with his pace and his trickery.
"He's played at League Two level before and set it alight and we are hoping that he is going to do the same thing for us.
"I think this is the right environment for him and hopefully we will get him firing again."
Demontagnac was part of the Wasall team that won promotion from League Two as champions in 2007. He has also played for England at Under 18 and Under 19 level.
His signing follows the departure of winger Michael Jacobs to Derby County earlier in the week, while he joins Clive Platt and Alex Nicholls as Town’s third summer signing.
