Charles hopes injuries are finally over

The 32-year-old summer signing made only his fifth appearance of the campaign on Saturday after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Charles said: “I don’t think I’ve had a season like this, stop-start with injuries that keep creeping in.

“It’s been very frustrating, there’s nothing worse for a player than being injured, but you have to accept it.

“I’ve played 15 years and luckily I haven’t had it, as it’s the first time it’s really happened for me.

“To come back at the weekend and play 90 minutes, keep a clean sheet too and progress through to the next round, I’m very happy with that.”

Charles has suffered a variety of ailments this term and admits he may have to change his off-field methods.

He continued: “I picked up a niggle in pre-season, came back and dislocated my shoulder, which kept me out for a long time.

“Other players say if you miss pre-season it can have an adverse effect on you for the rest of the season.

“That maybe the case, but I think I spent so much time being out, my body was forgetting what it needs to do.

“Now it’s about maintaining my body, maybe changing my training regime and getting rest in when you can.

“One, because of the season it’s been and two, because I’m a little bit older now.

“But to get through 90 minutes was the key.”

Charles was part of a makeshift defence during the 2-0 FA Trophy win over Wrexham, with Elliot Justham in goal, while Joe Davis, Jake Howells and Brett Longden made up the rest of the back four.

It didn’t faze him though as Charles added: “Whatever reason you’re out of the team, you are often put together with different people.

“It’s always nice to have familiar faces around you, but you can’t always have that.

“I don’t think it really matters who you play with as long as you communicate.

“I had Elliot behind me, I train with him every day, Howells to the left of me, Brett at right back and young Joe, who’s come in the last few weeks.

“I’ve not really worked with him recently, but as long as you have an understanding and communicate, you understand each other and it makes life so much easier.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our Hatters Microsite.