Town boss wants U18s to march on in FA Youth Cup

The U18s are firm favourites to progress, with the winners away to League One Stevenage in the first round proper.

Buckle said: “There’ll be no complacency from us, but you’d like to think we can march forward.

“Every game’s a tough game. We’ve got to go out and stamp our authority on the game to get through.

“We’re probably not going to learn too much about the young boys as we see enough of them on a day-to-day basis.

“If we can get through to the next round where you’re up against some stiff opposition, that’s when you really see where we’re at and I say that with all due respect to the opposition.”

Buckle stated in this week’s Luton News/Dunstable Gazette he was looking for the youngsters to do their utmost to push their way into his thoughts for the first team squad.

Teenage midfielder Charlie Smith is doing just that, as he played the second half of the development squad’s 4-0 defeat at Championship side Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.

He has already tasted first team action during the FA Trophy last season, and Buckle has been impressed with his impact.

Buckle added: “Smith’s quality is undoubted. Sometimes you look at him and forget how young he is, but I’m very keen for them to now push on.

“We’re working hard with Smith and I think Smith is someone who can come through.

“I think the challenge for all the young players is to come in with the pros and hold their own. If they can stand out then even better, but if they can hold their own that is the main part.

“We want the young ones to come through. It’s a big part of our culture and we’ve seen this year the younger players, they give us loads of legs and that’s what we’re looking for.”

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.