Jack Wilshere has insisted Jayden Luker remains “an important part” of his plans despite the young Luton Town midfielder facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Luker impressed during pre-season and earned a starting place in last weekend’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory at Gillingham, only to be forced off early in the second half.
The 21-year-old had provided the assist for Nahki Wells to open the scoring shortly before half-time but is now expected to be unavailable for a number of weeks.
It is a setback for Luker after an encouraging summer in which he appeared to strengthen his case for a regular role in Wilshere’s first-team squad following last season’s loan spell at Notts County.
“That was the only negative,” said Wilshere, adding: “Jayden’s been excellent in pre-season. Every challenge that he’s been given, every opportunity that he’s been given, he has taken, and that’s all you want really from a young player who’s trying to prove himself and earn a place in the team.
“He earned that start against Gillingham. He did well in the game, got a lovely assist, and that’s what Jayden’s all about. How he can receive it, how he can make things happen.
“It’s not good for him. However, my message to him was that he’s part of us now, he’s part of the first team.
“We need to look after him, take care of him, give him some love because I know he’s been through this before. We will work together and find a way to stop this happening, but he’s done great in pre-season and I see him as an important part going forward.”
Luker had spent last season on loan at Notts County, helping the Magpies secure promotion from League Two, and had been given the opportunity to impress Wilshere after returning to Kenilworth Road.
His injury is therefore an untimely blow with Luton preparing to begin their League One campaign at Reading tomorrow.
Be the first to comment