Jack Wilshere has backed Jayden Luker to become an important first-team player for Luton after the attacking midfielder signed a new contract with the Hatters.
The 21-year-old has extended his stay at Kenilworth Road after impressing Wilshere during pre-season, when he scored against Barnet, Walsall and Go Ahead Eagles B before making his competitive debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Gillingham.
Luker provided the assist for Nahki Wells’ opener that night but suffered a hamstring injury which has kept him out since.
Wilshere believes the former Crystal Palace and Millwall academy player has now reached the point in his development where he should be considered a first-team player after gaining extensive experience out on loan.
“Jayden has waited a long time for his chance but has done things the right way, going out on loan and gaining good experience,” Wilshere to LTFC+.
“I watched him a lot at Notts County because I’d got to know him while he was back here doing rehab, and when he came back in pre-season, he made it clear he wanted to play. I love that in a young player.
“The next step of his progression as a footballer is to be involved in our first team squad now, and although his injury has delayed that impact on the pitch, that’s what he now is – a first team player who will help us this season in League One.”
Luker spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign at Woking before joining Grimsby for the whole of the following season.
He then moved to Notts County on a season-long loan in August 2025 and played a key role in their promotion from League Two, scoring the winning goal in the play-off semi-final at Chesterfield before helping the Magpies beat Salford City at Wembley.
That experience has left Luker with 61 senior appearances and Wilshere believes he is ready to take the next step with Luton.
“He has a great attitude. He soaks up the information we give him. He’s got real quality on the ball, and we’re really looking forward to him being available for selection again because he has bright future ahead of him as a Luton Town player.”
Luker, who initially joined Town on trial in 2022 after impressing for Pro Direct Soccer Academy, said he was delighted to commit his future to the club.
“I’m super proud. It’s been in the works for a few weeks now so I’m just happy, and I can’t wait to get back playing for the team,” he said.
“The rehab is going well, it’s just about working now on the pitch and hopefully I’ll be back soon.”
The midfielder believes his spells away from Kenilworth Road have been crucial to his development, particularly his experience of playing at Wembley as Notts County secured promotion.
“I’ve really enjoyed my loans and playing at Wembley at such a young age was top. Not many people actually get to play there, so I was just happy to be there and win promotion,” he said.
“It’s important to go out and play. It’s what everyone wants to do. You don’t just want to be on the bench and not really playing. I think it’s been important in getting me to where I am today.”
Luker also revealed Wilshere has already made clear that he sees a future for him in Luton’s first team.
“I had that conversation with the gaffer and he’s told me he has faith in me to perform, so I’m happy for that and I know that as a midfielder, I can only learn from him and the rest of the coaches,” he said.
And having yet to play a competitive match at Kenilworth Road, Luker already knows exactly what he is looking forward to most when he finally gets the opportunity.
“I want to hear the noise. I haven’t played at Kenilworth Road yet, so I just want to score goals, make assists and have the crowd behind me and the team. I can’t wait!”
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