Hatters boss considers loan move for Dance

Hatters boss Paul Buckle is hoping to allow winger James Dance to leave the club on loan once the January transfer window opens in a bid to boost his match fitness, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 25-year-old has been limited to just a handful of appearances this season after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury.

Dance almost went out on loan before the previous window closed, only for Buckle to have a late change of heart, although the boss confirmed it’s something he will consider closely should circumstances suit him.

He said: “I can’t let him out on loan until we’ve got someone in or other players are doing well enough for me to allow him to.

“He understands that, we’ve had many a chat. It would be ideal for him to go and get games and we’ve got some takers, people have rung me already about James Dance.

“The proof is in the pudding when the phone rings about a player, you know you’re doing something right and the player’s doing something right.

“I’m convinced that one, we’ll have some takers for Dance and two, he’ll go and do the business for someone.”

Dance played 105 minutes for Town in their Beds Senior Cup exit at the hands of Arlesey Town on Tuesday night, scoring Hatters’ equaliser with a fine header.

Although Buckle was not at the game, as he was on a scouting mission himself, he added: “I’m thrilled for him because when you’re out that long, you need a certain determination and character, he’s got all of those things.

“He’s got everything I’m looking for in a player. He comes in, he’s bright, says good morning to you, he’s alive, shows no pain, no disappointment and is a real pleasure to work with.

“I’ve not seen a great deal of Dance in what he can do on the pitch but certainly the chances he’s had so far he’s taken it.

“It’s about affecting the game if you’re a wide man, you need to create goals and scores goals and James can do that.

“He’s shown he can do that for Luton, get in there at the far post and is very brave with his headers/

“So I’m delighted for him as I was worried at one stage, very worried that his career could be in danger.”

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.

Related topics: