Town’s young guns urged to keep improving
Hatters defender Alex Lacey
TOWN’s young stars were praised by assistant boss Alan Neilson for the way they have adapted to life under new boss Paul Buckle, writes Mike Simmonds.
Once Buckle took over at Kenilworth Road, the likes of JJ O’Donnell, who signed a three-year deal today, and Alex Lacey were instantly recalled from their loan spells at Thurrock and Eastbourne Borough respectively to join in with first team training.
Neilson said: “Both of them were doing really well at the clubs they were at, but we wanted them to sample the atmosphere, sample the training we were doing.
“They’ve come back and have done well in training, extra training as well.
“JJ, since the gaffer has come in, has done absolutely superb.
“Away at Colchester, he played 90 minutes at number 10 in the hole and did really well.
“The manager has said the young lads will have a good future at the club as long as they keep working hard and listening to their coaches.
“They will progress and if they’re doing well enough, they’ll be given a chance.”
Striker Dan Walker appears reborn since Buckle came to the club too as, after spending large chunks of the season out injured, he is now benefiting dramatically from the extra training sessions.
Two goals for the reserves at Colchester were followed with a brace of excellent finishes against Dunstable Town in the Bed Senior Cup on Tuesday night, including a late winner, as he has become a real goal threat.
Neilson added: “Dan is a tall lad and for a tall lad he’s got really, really quick feet, he’s lightning,
“If you get one on one with him, it’s hard to deal with.
“He’s still learning the game and has got to learn his movement,
“He showed a few good movements (on Tuesday) and could have scored some more goals.
“He does get a little bit frustrated but is still learning and we do a lot of coaching with him.
“Fingers crossed, he will come through next season.”
For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our Hatters Microsite.
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
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