Adebayo working with Harford to make headed goals his ‘bread and butter’

Elijah Adebayo has vowed to take Mick Harford’s advice on headed goals after missing out on match-winning glory against Millwall last night.  

Luton’s new signing scored on his full debut with a scuffed opener, but soon after nodded Jordan Clark’s cross over. 

Yet, his first Hatters goal looked enough for three Championship points until George Evans struck deep into injury time for the lions to steal Adebayo’s thunder. 

 “It’s always good to get a goal, especially for myself as a striker. It was heading like it was going to be a good night but a little lapse in concentration at the end obviously cost us the game. We know that we should’ve won that game,” the former Walsall ace said. 

“I was saying to myself, ‘if I get once chance, I’m going to take it, definitely’. Obviously it came and then I got another chance but, unfortunately, that one didn’t go in for me.

“But I’ll keep my head high and when I get my chance next time again I’ll put that right. 

“I’ll work hard on the training ground to make sure those are my bread and butter and they’re going in. But I’m delighted with the goal.

“I said when I came here I want to improve and be the best version of myself. (Last night) was a good start but obviously there’s more to come.”

Adebayo says he’s already settled in well after his transfer deadline day switch last month, and he revealed he’s already been benefitting from the tutelage of former England striker, now assistant manager, Harford.  

“Mick’s been talking to me every day, talking about my game and helping me with little things,” the striker said. 

“The main thing we wanted to work on was headed goals because Mick was a good header of the ball. 

“So, we spoke about that and he said ‘when you get in this position, just make sure you’re heading it down’.

“But he’s been saying, ‘keep it simple, work hard , but you’ll get your chance and when you do just take your opportunity.

“Fortunately for me I did but we just didn’t get the three points, which is obviously gutting.”

Adebayo was given the nod ahead of top scorer James Collins, who had to make do with a place on the bench.

“It’s healthy competition,” said the Fulham Academy product, adding: “Me and Collo have been speaking and we know it’s going to be a tough battle for the place, because we play one up front. It’s good healthy competition and I’m ready for it.” 

He proved that with a man-of-the-match display to add to his goal, which will help him settle into life in the Championship, having been in League Two this time last month. 

“The quality is a big factor,” Adebayo said of the second tier, adding: “People do things quicker than the lower leagues. You’ve just got to be patient and, especially the second opportunity I had, if I put that away then it’s 2-0 and the game’s over. 

“These things happen and it’s something I’ve got to learn. It’s Championship football and you’ve got to take your chances when they come by and then the game settles down even more.”