Still faces full back poser for Grimsby clash

With Ronnie Henry going under the knife today to cure a hernia problem and Brett Longden injured, Luton have no recognised full back ahead of the Mariners visit.

Still said: “We have to change because Ronnie Henry has gone into hospital today. If Ronnie was okay there would probably be only one change.

“It’s a difficult one as we don’t have another right back. I would have gone with Brett Longden, but he’s injured, so we’ll have to move someone around. I don’t like doing that but I might have to.”

Simon Ainge has played in the position most recently but noticeably struggled, particularly at home and Still may well tinker with his formation to avoid any repeat performances.

He continued: “Fair play to him, he’s gone in and got on with the job.

“Although I didn’t see the Gateshead game, I think he acquitted himself well, but he’s a centre half.

“I’ve seen him play there now, so it gives me an idea now and helps with along the road as well.

“We’ve trained today and I’ll have a chat about that sometime later on this afternoon as I’m not 100 percent yet. I’ve still got a couple of things I want to look at.”

Defender Alex Lacey is back at the club now after his loan spell with Eastleigh and although he can play right back, the youngster won’t be considered for the weekend.

Still said: “I’m not going to touch him for this week, it would be unfair on him as he hasn’t been here. Whether I bring him in and give him a couple of games next week, we’ll see.”

Solomon Taiwo could well return the squad, but Jake Goodman and Jake Howells are unlikely to be considered as Still said: “Taiwo should be able to play and Goodman should be able to play but probably won’t as the amount of games we’ve got, I’ll let him get really over that (injury).

“Howells will probably be okay after this weekend. I haven’t got to overuse him and I want to keep him as I like Jake. I haven’t got to push him to play and can put him in when I think he’s got enough training.”

Meanwhile, although JJ O’Donnell hasn’t played much in recent weeks, he remains on the manager’s radar as Still admitted it hadn’t been as crucial to see the left-footer due to him having another two years on his contract.

Still said: “He’s here next year and although I’m not doing anything with him, I have played him.

“He had a little bit of a problem with his foot but it’s okay now.

“It’s the same with young Robbo (Matt Robinson), who I knew was going to be here. Yes he’s played a bit more, but for JJ, I had Jake Howells on the left which is where he played.

“I put him in the middle to see if he could handle it and I’m not sure if that’s his best place, slightly left hand side is his best.

“Dave (Martin) is in a little bit of form so I left him there. I’m sure JJ will feature before the end of the season though.”

Martin notched twice in the 3-0 win over Lincoln on Tuesday night, with Andre Gray on target too and Still has also been impressed with both goalscorers, adding: “Since I’ve been here Dave’s done okay. I didn’t play him when I first came but I knew him.

“I basically knew what I could get from him, but got that little bit more.

“Andre looked very sharp the other night. I’ve played him, rested him. I’ve not wanted to overuse players if I haven’t got to. But he did well, took his goal well, supplied a cross for another too.”

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