Town to stick with youngsters for Staines replay

Hatters first team coach Hakan Hayrettin confirmed that Town’s youngsters will be given another chance against Staines Town in tonight’s FA Trophy first round replay, writes Mike Simmonds.
David VianaDavid Viana
David Viana

Luton made 11 changes for Saturday’s fixture, handing debuts to Tinashe Chabata, David Viana, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Joe Davis, while the likes of Charlie Smith and Zane Banton also played.

Hayrettin said: “I’ll have to cancel a game against Leyton Orient as we were supposed to be playing them, but this will be a tougher test as it’s a competitive game.

“We’re going to try and win the game, there’ll be a different atmosphere, more supporters as hopefully we’ll get a good crowd to watch the youngsters play.

“Most of our youngsters have played in the first team though and I don’t think a lot of people realise we’ve actually got a young squad.

“Those on the fringe or not in the first team for whatever reason are young boys.

“Matt Robinson’s young, (Mark) Cullen’s young, (Alex) Wall’s young.

“(Jake) Howells is only 22. He may be a senior player, but in terms of age, he’s young, so it will be good.

“Hopefully we can get the result and for sure we will try and get the result.”

Portuguese midfielder Viana is a doubt for the match as he was came off on Saturday after picking up an ankle injury.

Hayrettin continued: “I think he’s just rolled his ankle and we’ll assess him to see if he’s ready for the game on Tuesday.

“He wants to show everybody what he can do, I think he’s a fantastic footballer. It may take him a little bit more time to adjust to pace at this level, but I’m sure he’ll come through.”

Striker Alex Wall made his return to the first team after almost a month out as Hayrettin added: “A decision was made not to start him as he’s declared himself fit.
“We took the option and said you’re going to be sub. He got 20-25 minutes and did okay, so we’re pleased he came through that.”

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