Still weighs up former Juventus right-back Pisani

Hatters boss John Still is continuing to cast his eye over potential candidates to improve his squad as former Juventus right-back Andrea Pisani was among three trialists given the chance to impress in Tuesday night’s 2-1 development win over West Ham United, writes Mark Wood.
Luton Town v West Ham United. Photos by Liam Smith. wk 45.Luton Town v West Ham United. Photos by Liam Smith. wk 45.
Luton Town v West Ham United. Photos by Liam Smith. wk 45.

The 26-year-old Italian defender, who played four times in Serie B for Juve in 2006 and subsequently a number of other lower league Italian clubs, played the full 90 minutes and impressed at times in the win, although one slip did almost cost the Hatters a goal.

On the trialists, Still said: “They done OK. He is a decent player Pisani. We’ve just been having a look at him.

“We’ve looked at him for a couple of weeks, not really made any sort of decisions on that, but he did OK today.”

Former Leicester City youngster Jide Maduako, a 19-year-old defender who had two loan spells at Ilkeston also did OK, while 27-year-old French forward Steve Ahoua came on as an early sub after striker Alex Wall pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury.

Still continued:”As did the lad next to him (do OK) who’s come from nowhere, Jide. He’s really come from nowhere, but good physique, good stature, very athletic.

“Just looking really like we always do. Just have a look, mess about with it a little bit.”

Development boss Hakan Hayrettin felt Pisani had done well, but any decisions on his future lie with Still.

He said: “He came recommended to us and I thought he did OK. He did very well going forward and I think he fitted in well.

“It can sometimes be difficult for trialists to impress in development matches, but they all get a decent opportunity.

“Players will always get the chance to train with us and John will always give them a fair crack of the whip. He’s fair and he’ll always tell them where they stand.

“John and Terry Harris both watched the match and it’s up to them now to sit down and make a decision.”

Young full-back Brett Longden was also give the chance to impress having been out on loan, while Andy Parry was brought in to knit the defence together.

Still continued: “Brett Longden has been out on loan at Boreham Wood at left-back.

“So it was a put together back four a little bit, which is why we played Andy Parry just to give us a touch more knowledge if you like.

“Hopefully he helped along a little bit. But they did very, very well I thought.”

The Town chief admitted that it would be at the back though he would look to strengthen if anywhere.

He added: “It probably is, and it’s an area where if we wanted to improve we would have a good look at.

“But at the moment, just really seeing how we go. I’m not rushing into anything. Sometimes you can look too far when what you want is on top of you.

“Andy Parry can play a few positions, he’s very versatile. So it was an opportunity to put him back in at centre-half and just have a look there in case we need cover again, although Anthony Charles in back in training after his recent injury. It was just a matter of looking and seeing what we’ve got really.”

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