Town boss remaining hopeful over Spiller

The 30-year-old has endured a torrid start to his Luton career, as he hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since signing due to an Achilles problem.

Buckle said: “Spiller is having a few injections in the Achilles and we’re hopeful that in four to five weeks it will be settled down.

“It’s still a long time and it’s hard to take when Danny is such an important part of what we’re doing but these things take time.

“When you bring as many players to the club in such a short space of time, you do run the risk of losing a couple.”

Spiller isn’t the only new signing who has been plagued by injury during his short Town spell so far, as there is still no sign of a return for defender Garry Richards.

Buckle continued: “It’s really unfortunate with Richards.

“He’s come back completely fit to train and free of that nasty break he had last year and then he rolls his ankle badly in Portugal.

“It was a really bad twist and we’re not sure how long that will be.”

There is still no date being placed on midfielder James Dance’s come back either as Buckle said: “Dancey’s a bit different and is going to take a little while.

“That was a bad one for James, so we’ll see how it goes.

“When you’ve been out that long just a case of seeing how they go.”

There was some good news for centre back Alex Lacey though as he is now over his dislocated shoulder.

Buckle said: “Alex is looking good.

“His shoulder’s healing and he’s back in full training, although we’re doing our best to get the players to not bang in too much on that shoulder.”

Midfielder Adam Watkins is expected to be fit for Saturday’s home clash with AFC Telford and Monday’s visit to Ebbsfleet too, as Town could go back on top of the table.

Jake Howells is also in contention after being named on the bench at Hyde due to his exertions with Wales U21s on Wednesday evening.

Buckle added: “We did speak to the players regarding Howells being on the bench.

“With us winning (at Kidderminster) and him playing 70 minutes with 10 men for Wales U21s, it wasn’t ideal for him to play.

“He played ever so well in the game before against Gateshead though, so the players know there’s competition for places now.

“If you do come off it, you’re not quite at it and you’re not up and running where you need to be in these games, your place will be under threat.

“We want to stay at the top of the league, that’s where we want to be and we’ve got a chance to do that Saturday.”

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