Becks back as Barrow look to spoil Saturday’s game

Town will be looking to bounce back after two straight defeats against York City and Cambridge United.

At today’s press conference manager Gary Brabin admitted Tuesday’s 1-0 home defeat to the U’s had come as a bit of a body blow.

He said: “It was a massive blow. It was really disappointing.

“I thought we started the first half and came out at a good tempo and created enough chances and never got on the end of them which is disappointing.

“Against the run of play they scored from a set play and it’s disappointing we have ended up losing the game.”

On the challenge which Barrow will present, Brabin continued: “They are spoilers.

“They’ve had some good results and are another team that are on a good run at the moment, have some good players and we’re expecting another tough game.

“They do well each year and every season they’ve always had some big scalps in the cup and even the league games and will be a tough test.

“They are no mugs and are a really tough team to play against. It’s a real competitive league and everyone is taking points off everyone.

“They are going try and spoil it for us. They are quite a tough side.

“They are the challenges we’ve got to meet week in, week out, and we need to concentrate on ourselves and there’s a lot to consider at the end of the day in terms of injuries and suspensions.

“We’ve got to keep on picking up points and know we can only get better.

“At the moment we aren’t concerned who they haven’t got playing but who they have. They’ve got some good players and we have to get back to winning ways.”

Dean Beckwith is back in the mix having served his three-match ban following his sending off for violent conduct in the 1-0 win over Lincoln City.

But the game looks to have come too early for the likes of captain George Pilkington and Shane Blackett who both played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday.

Brabin said: “It’s another plus to have bodies back but the one thing is we seem to get bodies back and them all being in one position.

“It’s a big plus for us having a player like Deano back but the sooner we get the others back the better.”

The match also saw the likes of Charlie Henry and Curtis Osano play, with the latter perhaps standing an outside chance for the weekend.

Brabin continued: “I think he is still playing with a bit of pain but he will have to persevere with that, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

However, he is still definitely without Alex Lawless, who had a successful operation on his hand, plus defenders Dan Gleeson and Freddie Murray who are at least a month away.

Luton will at least be able to call upon Jake Howells, who is set to miss the next two games following his call-up for the Wlesh U21 team.

Brabin said: “It’s fantastic for Jake but not the best timing for us.

“He is available for Saturday and we will concentrate on that first and foremost.

“We’ve got him for Saturday and are delighted with that and with his progression and it’s great for him and the club getting that recognition.”

But he admitted that his impending loss and the injury to Lawless has left the Hatters to eyeing the loan market.

Brabin said: “We haven’t got Jake after tomorrow and losing Alex it’s something we are considering. But we just don’t want to panic.”

And he was left to lament the chopping and changing that injury and suspensions have forced, saying: “When we bring players to the club they need to complement each other and play as units and it’s important our pairings all over the pitch work.”

The Town boss was also in no doubt that Luton must stay in touch with the top sides while they ride out the injury storm.

He added: “At the moment it’s important we are still in touching distance of the top places.

“We are more than confident that when we get everyone back and get a bit of consistency in team performance and selection we will be able to drive on.”