Rob Edwards’ educated gamble with Daiki Hashioka could help ease Luton’s defensive injury crisis ahead of the huge relegation clash against Crystal Palace tomorrow.
The Hatters have been hit by the news that Amari’i Bell will be sidelined for a “lengthy” period with a hamstring injury sustained early in the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
The Jamaica international joins the list of defensive players out of action, though Gabriel Osho will be monitored to see if he’s able to take part at Selhurt Park.
With Mads Andersen (calf) and Tom Lockyer (recovering from cardiac arrest) out, Town are short of options at centre half and that saw wing back Alfie Doughty deployed in Bell’s place during the first half against the Villans.
But the second half saw the introduction of January signing Hashioka, a right wing back, as the left-sided centre half, and the Japanese international’s assured performance helped the Hatters fight back from 2-0 down.
“(I’m) really pleased,” said boss Edwards, adding: “He’s come on, on the left side and he’s looked like, to me, and having seen him in training as well, his tactical understanding is really good and disciplined.
“He takes on information really, really well. I’ve been so impressed with him in that respect. He carries out his role to the letter, so I think he could fill in any of those positions along that backline. It’s a real plus for us.”
Asked how Hashioka took to the role, Edwards said: “He loved it. He’ll have been frustrated with the last few minutes, but I thought he made a big impact, a real positive for us.
“He’s been great this week as well. It’s just been really good to introduce him in the last couple of games, get him some minutes against two of the best teams in the league.
“What’s been great for us, because we didn’t necessarily bring him in to play every role across that backline, but it really looks like he’ll be able to do that.
“So, someone that can play in four or five slots is a real big plus for us.”
Edwards admitted that Hashioka hadn’t been trialled in the left centre half position during training, but said of throwing him in against Villa: “It was a little bit of, I think he can do this because of the skillset that he’s got. Sometimes when players go into something like that and they haven’t had time to really think about the process, they just go and do it, go and play. I thought he was really good.”
Having been introduced gradually, after his signing from Belgian top-flight side Sint-Truiden, training but not featuring in match day squads for the first five games, Edwards said: “He seems ready now. Physically, mentally, he’s engaged and understands what we’re trying to do with and without the ball now, so I think he’s in a good spot.”
