An FA Cup third-round replay at Bolton has meant a delay to Luton’s winter break and a Dubai training camp, but Rob Edwards has told his Luton players to tackle the tie with a mindset that matches their Premier League games.
Rob Edwards has told his Luton players to tackle a tough FA Cup third round replay at Bolton with the right mindset after the additional fixture delayed some winter break, warm-weather training in Dubai.
A stalemate with the League One high-flyers at Kenilworth Road just over a week ago put a spanner in the works of what had been fortnight’s break in the fixture schedule for top-flight teams.
Instead, Town have had to delay their travels abroad to plot a way past Wanderers, avoid a fourth straight cup exit to lower league opposition in two seasons and book a fourth round tie away to either Everton or Crystal Palace.
Asked if he’s had any issues with getting his Hatters up for the clash, the Hatters boss said: “I hope not. I mean, if we’re being really honest, human nature, it’s easier at the moment to get up for Premier League games. It is.
“We’ve got to make sure our mentality, focus and attitude is right for the cup games as well. That’s what I want, that’s what the message has been and that’s how the lads have trained.
“Let’s go and do that. We still get a bit of a break, so that’s no problem. And it’s a game we’re looking forward to.
“We get a bit of warm weather (training), go out to Dubai after the game. We go on Wednesday morning.”
Edwards selected a strong side in the first game against Bolton with just four changes, but the likes of Ross Barkley and Sambi Lokonga keeping their places.
On his plans for the return fixture, Edwards said: “The team that I, we selected is capable of going on to win the game.
“We have to go in with the right mentality and attitude because Bolton are a really good team, who are confident and performing well. Especially at their place, they’ll fancy their chances and be well up for it.
“In a way, it doesn’t matter what team I pick, what matters is our focus and our attitude towards the game.”
One player that may have got a game was Mads Andersen, but the centre half will miss out with a calf issue.
The Dane, who wasn’t in the squad for the 1-1 Premier League draw at fellow relegation strugglers Burnley on Friday, now looks set for a longer lay-off, though the schedule cools off for the winter break.
Edwards said: “Mads Andersen has got a calf issue. I’m not sure how long yet. Hopefully it’s not too bad, but I think he’ll be a couple of weeks.
“It’s going to be weeks, not days, which is a disappointment for us because Mads would’ve been in contention for this one.
“Other than that, everyone’s all right.”
Edwards was boosted last week with the return to the squad of Reece Burke and a first inclusion for Dan Potts, both of whom are in contention for the third round re-run in Lancashire tomorrow.
“I’m desperate to have all these defenders fit at the same time,” the Hatters boss said, adding: “They all keep chopping and changing (with injuries). It’s almost like, ‘tag, you’re it for a little bit and I’ll come out and have a breather’.
“(I’m) really frustrated for Mads. He’s already bang on it and he’ll be back as quickly as he can.
“But Pottsy and Burkey are back as well, which is great for us.”
Forward Jacob Brown is also available after missing the first game against Bolton and Friday’s Premier League point at Turf Moor.
Fred Onyedinma had his season-long loan at Rotherham United cut short last week, but he return to Luton with a muscular injury.
He’ll not be available for the FA Cup clash but there is hope that he’ll recover in time for another loan deal to be arranged.
On Onyedimna’s issue, Edwards said: “It’s not too bad. I think it’s still going to be a few weeks, but there is a good chance that we can probably get him out somewhere during the window to make sure he gets some football in the second half of the season.
“I think with Fred being the athlete he his, it’s just one of these muscular injuries that you can pick up.
“But he’s a strong boy and he’s working hard to make sure he’s fit as quickly as possible.”
