Stop-start Ainge will be Town cheerleader at Carrow Road

Determined defender Simon Ainge is hoping the Hatters can continue to progress on all fronts despite the disruption it causes to his own chances, writes Mark Wood.

Ainge is ineligible to play a part in Town’s glamorous FA Cup fourth round tie at Premier League Norwich City on Saturday after appearing for previous club Guiseley.

But the 24-year-old will be cheering on his team-mates at Carrow Road, saying: “It’s frustrating but it’s great for the lads to have such a good cup run.

“I think they’ve done really well and are unbeaten in three games and only conceded one goal.

“As a defender you wouldn’t really have any complaints. I still want the lads to go out on Saturday and go and win if possible.

“I will be there and roaring the lads on. FA Cup, anything can happen. It’s 11 men against 11 men.

“We will be going there with nothing to lose which is a change for Luton and fingers crossed we can get something out of the game.”

But Ainge was aware he would be unable to play in the cup when he initially signed on loan for the Hatters – a move that became permanent earlier this month.

He continued: “It’s something I knew when I signed here.

“I wouldn’t have thought it would be such a good run and so stop-start for me.

“As a footballer it’s something you’ve got to put up with and keep yourself as fit as you possibly can for when you do get back in the team.”

Town are then in FA Trophy action at Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Grimsby Town on Tuesday night – a competition Ainge can play in.

Having recently found himself on the bench due to the form of Janos Kovacs and Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, he’s hoping to progress as he targets a trip to Wembley.

Ainge added: “I know some people sometimes talk down to this competition.

“Any opportunity I get to play at Wembley I would give it 100 per cent.

“I think Grimsby’s a really good draw because you’ve got to beat the best teams to win it anyway.

“I think we are one of the best teams to beat them and hopefully I’ll get a run out there.”

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.