Northampton Town sign Spireites midfielder Derek Niven

Niven is Chesterfield's current longest serving player, having joined in 2004

Northampton Town have signed Chesterfield midfielder Derek Niven on a month's loan.

The 27-year-old was with Raith Rovers before joining Bolton Wanderers and subsequently the Spireites, for whom he has made more than 300 appearances.

Cobblers boss Gary Johnson said: "Derek is an experienced midfield player, a real warrior and just the sort of person and player we need.

"He has a lot of respect in the game, and is a hardworking player."

Johnson continued: "He will be a good addition. He is a six-footer, a ball-winner and someone who gets from box to box, and will give us a lot of experience in the middle of the park.

"My teams have had some real battles against him in the past and I have long been an admirer.

"Derek was part of Chesterfield's promotion winning squad at this level last season. He is a winner on and off the pitch and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."

Niven is available to face Rotherham United at Sixfields on Saturday, and striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has sufficiently recovered from a jaw injury to feature as well.

"Ade will start and it is a big boost for us," said Johnson.

"He is a top player for us and it is great to have him back."