Pilkington backs Poku to be a hit at Mansfield

The pair both signed for the Stags last week and Pilkington, who was Town’s captain, is confident Poku will shine at Field Mill.

He said: “Luton were blessed with a really good squad, so that’s why Godfrey went out on loan and did really well for himself.

“Towards the end of the season, he was coming into the side and then it was a shame he picked the injury up when he did really well.

“It meant he missed out on the business end of the season which would have been good for him.

“His future could have been so different had he been involved, but it’s a good move for him.

“It means he’ll be playing regular first team football. For any young lad, that’s what you need.

“You get that experience under your belt and I think he needs that to bring him on as a player.

“His work-rate is phenomenal, he’s decent on the ball, he just needs to learn the game a bit more and the only way of doing that is by playing matches.”

Mansfield are expected to be one of Town’s main challengers for promotion this season, but Pilkington thought the division was too close to call.

He added: “I think this season is the most open it has been for a long time. It’s hard to predict who’s going to run away with it this season.

“It’s very, very open and I’m sure Luton will be up there competing, if not leading the way, and hopefully Mansfield will be in and amongst the pack.”

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