Brabin considers handing keeper Kidd his debut

The youngster is included in the squad after veteran stopper Kevin Pilkington retired to join Notts County as goalkeeping coach earlier in the week.

Brabin has given the likes of Jerry Nash and Jake Woolley their debuts in the competition and confirmed he might do the same with Kidd, to further his development into the first team, in case he is called upon for Town’s league campaign.

Speaking to the press this morning, Brabin said: “It’s something we have thought about. We don’t want to take the game lightly, no disrespect to Lewis, it’s a big game and we’re going to weigh up every option.

“We cetainly haven’t made a decision at the moment. There’s a few more factors we have to look at and we’ll see tomorrow, but he’s certainly in contention.”

When asked whether Kidd was ready to make his Luton bow despite only playing a few senior games on loan for Swindon Supermarine this season, Brabin was confident he could handle the pressure.

The manager said: “He’s definitely ready for first team football. There’s a lot of factors though, the size of the crowd, a lot of aspects can have nervous affects on you.

“We know with Adam Watkins. He was very nervous in his first few games, but when someone in the middle of the park makes a few mistakes, it’s not as highlighted as it’s a bit more different with it being a specialist position in goal.

“We’ve got to take all those factors into it. When you look at how much he has come in training, learning with Mark Tyler, Kevin Pilkington and Dmitri (Kharine). He’s come on leaps and bounds.

“We’re certainly excited about the future for Lewis Kidd, and we would have no qualms about putting him in.”

Brabin did confirm that despite his belief in Kidd, he was on the look out for an experienced goalkeeper to add to the competition after Pilkington’s departure.

He said: “We’re not going to rush out and get the first goalie that becomes available as we have got faith in Lewis Kidd.

“But at the same time we can’t make light of the situation and if the opportunity came up to get a keeper who can come in and lighten the load a little bit then we would certainly look at that option.

“I think the fact that Lewis was part of our squad against Barrow is another forward step in his career. As it stands he is our number two and that will certainly give him a lift.

“He’s got stronger, more confident and developed into a really fine young goalkeeper. But we have to look at the bigger picture.”

The boss also thought that having just two keepers would improve Mark Tyler too as he added: “I think it will change things and I’m hoping that it gives Mark a bit more confidence.

“He hasn’t got as much competition if you like, and now he’s responsible for the development of Lewis Kidd in terms of work ethic every day.”

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