Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere believes Jordan Clark’s ability to play with freedom in the final third can help restore the Hatters’ “confidence” and “belief” after the midfielder marked his return to the starting XI with his first career hat-trick last night.
The midfielder celebrated his 33rd birthday in style as he scored three times in Luton’s 6-0 Jersey Mike’s Subs Trophy victory over Ipswich Town Under-21s at Kenilworth Road.
His three goals against the Tractor Boys also made him the first Luton player to score a hat-trick since Elijah Adebayo against Brighton in the Premier League, 966 days previously.
The midfielder had only returned from a broken jaw as a substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Bradford City, wearing a protective face mask, having missed around a month of action.
“That was not a nice injury for him to go through,” said Wilshere, adding: “Everyone felt that a little bit for him.
“He lost a little bit of his confidence and his smile around the place for a few days. But we wanted to get him back in as quickly as possible because he gives everyone confidence. He gives everyone belief.
“And the players, they love him. When he’s on the pitch, how many times last season did he come up with a magic moment or a little bit of inspiration. So we missed him and I’m really happy to have him back.
“I’m happy he got his goals. And let’s hope now his season’s really kick-started and we can keep him on the pitch.”
The treble came after Clark reached 500 appearances for Luton at the weekend. Wilshere believes the Hatters’ structure can help provide the platform for Clark to show the attacking qualities which make him such a valuable player, who scored a career best 12 times last term to finish the campaign as Luton’s top marksman.
“He’s got that quality. He’s something a little bit different,” Wilshere said.
“We try and play in a certain way and have a certain structure. And I think that’s OK. And someone like Jordan Clark, I think it helps him to a certain extent.
“And then he has to be let free in the final third and find those spaces and run behind and make things happen. And he does that really well.”
Clark’s first goal came after he collected a flick from Gideon Kodua before opening up his body and slotting into the bottom corner.
He then volleyed home from Kal Naismith’s deep cross before completing his treble after being played through by Dan Gore.
Wilshere highlighted the variety of ways Clark can hurt opponents, particularly when he is given the opportunity to attack.
“The last one was nice as well,” he said, adding: “He wants to attack. That’s his first thing when he goes on the pitch, how can he score goals. We need that.”
Wilshere paid tribute to the midfielder’s dedication after seeing him combine the appearances and goal landmarks with his return from injury.
“On his birthday as well. And I’m happy for him,” the manager said. “Before the game he also celebrated his 500 games.
“But Jordan is someone who leads by example and you don’t have a career in the game like he’s had, over 500 games, unless you completely dedicate yourself to everything — training, games, how you look after yourself. Outstanding.”
The performance also represented a significant step in Clark’s recovery from the injury which had kept him out of the side since August.
The manager will now hope Clark’s return can provide another attacking dimension as the Hatters when they eventually look to respond to back-to-back League One defeats in a little under three weeks’ time at Wycombe.
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