Gray passed fit for Gateshead clash

The forward has made quite an impact in his two matches for Luton so far, netting twice, but hobbled off during the 2-1 defeat against York on Friday night.

He came through training yesterday though as caretaker boss Alan Neilson said: “Andre Gray is fine. He’s trained, I think he was a little bit tired against York. He has scored two in two and hopefully he can continue.”

Midfielder Andre Boucaud is available too after he had to miss the clash with York on Friday due to the rules of his transfer, while Aaron O’Connor is fit as Neilson confirmed they would be looking to end a seven-game winless run.

He said: “Aaron is in the squad, we’ll take a squad of 19 up there, so we’ve got a lot of options.

“We’ll definitely go up there to win the game, we’re not a team who’s going to sit back and try and soak it up.”

Neilson, who started his career at Newcastle, knows the Gateshead area well and is hopeful Heed will have a decent playing surface this time.

He continued: “The reports this year have said the pitch is a lot better. They spent a little bit of money on it and I spoke to someone from Newcastle who said the pitch is not too bad.

“I was there for six years and know what the weather can be like, especially Gateshead. It can be very windy, very cold and I think there’s a bit of snow about. So we’ll take our woolly hat, scarves and hopefully can go and get the three points.”

Hatters will come face to face with one of their long-time transfer targets in Jon Shaw once more, but won’t be up against former striker Liam Hatch, who is suspended after picking up 15 bookings this season.

Neilson said: “Jon is up there with the leading goalscorers.

“We had them watched on Saturday when they lost to Newport. They’ll be looking to bounce back straight away as will we after our result on Friday night.”

Town took 334 fans to Gateshead last season, but although the match is on a Tuesday night this time round, Neilson is still hopeful of a good backing.

He said: “Fans are always important, they are the 12th man and I know it’s a long way for them to travel.

“Hopefully we’ll still take a few on a cold night, or even those back here and listening on the radio, hopefully we can do it for them.”

Gateshead meanwhile have targeted the game as a six-pointer in the race for what they believe is the last play-off position.

They will be without the suspended duo of Carl Magnay and Hatch, but boss Iain Bogie said: “Mansfield and York look nailed on for the play-offs but the last place is still up for grabs.

“We have to win our two home games this week and if we do that then we will still be in the mix.

“Luton is massive, a real six-pointer, and we can’t afford any more slip ups this week.”

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.