Rob Edwards believes the ever-present Jordan Clark is improving, but has admitted that would have been able to manage the midfielder’s minutes had it not been for injuries.
Instead, the 31-year-old has started every game this season and played all but 27 minutes of the Championship campaign so far.
The Luton manager said of Clark: “We’ve had a few missing and we might have been able to look after him more here and there, because he has felt bits and he’s had to push through.
“Tom (Krauß) wasn’t fit when he first signed, Shandon’s (Baptiste) had a spell out, (Liam) Walshie’s suspension, there’s been times in the midfield area, where we’ve not had everyone fit available.
“So that’s probably made him have to have to play a little bit more. But it’s great that he’s coped.”
Clark’s appearance in Friday’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion brought up Clark’s 150th appearance for the club and Edwards said: “(He’s) really, really important.
“I think he’s shown a lot of growth, (has) a really good understanding and a reliability as well, with us playing with two strikers and then more as a single deeper midfield player.
“(There’s) some real trust in that position. But someone of his age, and he’s a clever footballer as well, I think he’s improving and he’s getting better and better.
“I’m really pleased with how Clicker has been performing. He’s running more than he ever has before, a higher intensity. I think the previous year (in the Premier League) has made him better and more resilient and fitter, dare I say it as well.
“Later in his career now, he’s showing signs of still improving and getting better. And I love players that can play in a number of different positions as well.
“That’s really important in this day and age. it gives us flexibility. Yeah, I love him to bits, Clicks.”
The midfielder has also led the team at times this year, taking the captain’s armband when Carlton Morris was injured.
Edwards said: “He’s been at the club for a long time, 150 games now, produced big moments for us and for me since we since we’ve been here and, just his temperament, he’s got the respect of the dressing room and with maybe no Amari’i (Bell) or Carlton (Morris) or Locks (Tom Lockyer) or whatever. it’s a natural fit.
“We’ve got a number who have worn on the armband over the time here. I like to have, a lot of leaders out in the pitch. Pelly’s (Ruddock Mpanzu) another one. I could just mention the Amari’i as well, there’s been a lot that have worn the armband over the last couple of years.”
