Rob Edwards says that new Luton signing Ross Barkley “hasn’t got to prove anything to anyone” but believes the former Everton and Chelsea ace has “a fire burning” to do well.
Town travel to face the Blues in the Premier League on Friday night, with the midfielder yet to make his Hatters bow.
Barkley wasn’t in the squad for the campaign curtain-raising 4-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, but wasn’t expected to be after signing as a free agent three days before.
But after Town’s game-day two clash at home to Burnley was postponed before the season due to the ongoing upgrade works to their Kenilworth Road stadium, the squad has had extra time to prepare for their trip to west London.
Barkley left Chelsea by mutual consent just shy of a year ago and signed for French Ligue 1 side Nice, but returns to England, where he’s made 232 Premier League appearances, admitting he’s not played as much as he’d have liked in the last couple of years.
Luton manager Edwards said: “The word I would use is hungry. I think he’s hungry to show people what he can do at this level.
“He hasn’t got to prove anything to anyone. People know how good he is. But I think, intrinsically, there’s a belief and a passion there. The fire is burning that he wants to really do well, to help us achieve something. This year could be really special for him.”
Speaking ahead of the Brighton game, the Hatters boss added: “He’s 29, he’s at a fantastic age. He’s had an amazing career. But I think him actually joining us, if you think about it, it shows how hungry he is to play and to play at this level and perform for us.
“I think he’s got a lot to give. I think he’s got the bit between his teeth and he’s got something to prove to people as well.
“If we get the best Ross Barkley, then he can really add something to us. He does give us an X-Factor, something different and can create something out of nothing.
“In our group it’s important because he’s got a lot of Premier League experience and that was key. So I’m delighted to have him in the building.
“He’s a great lad. I know how hard he trains. We’ve spoken to a lot of people about him and as a person. I spoke to him as well and he’s a really good fit for us and can bring something different.”
Hatters skipper Tom Lockyer said: “It’s a fantastic signing. If you’d have said five or six years ago that Luton would be signing Ross Barkley they wouldn’t have believed you.
“He’s an incredible player, an incredible talent. It’s funny, he came in and introduced himself as Ross. I said, ‘I know who you are, mate. I grew up watching you do your thing.’
“He’s an incredible talent and I can’t wait for him to get up a running and see what he can do.
“He comes with a wealth of Premier League experience, doesn’t he? I think he was playing in the Premier League when he was 17, which is quite incredible really, when you think about that.
“He’ll have the know-how and will certainly have the quality to bring something special to our forward play, so he’ll be a pleasure to watch I think.”
