Cameron Carter-Vickers has calmed Luton’s defence since arriving on loan on January, according to captain Sonny Bradley.
The Tottenham centre back was snapped up during the transfer window after a 15-game spell at Stoke and has been part of two clean sheets, two wins and eight points in his seven appearances.
Before the goalless draw at Wigan on Saturday, Carter-Vickers had filled in for the injured Bradley, but kept his place for the captain’s return at the DW Stadium, with Matty Pearson asked to fill in at right back.
“He hasn’t really played too many games in the Football League, but he comes across like he’s got such experience and such a relaxed manner about him and I feel safe next to him,” said the skipper.
”He does plenty of talking, he’s solid and he’s not the biggest, height-wise, but in the air he’s very good. He’s come in, been solid and he’s calmed us down a lot.
“I think he’s been a big part of what we’re doing at the minute and he’s helped us gain points. We need to keep Cam fit and he’s going to be big for us in the next nine games.”
Town have claimed three clean sheets in their last six Championship games, a run which began in Middlesbrough when Carter-Vickers, Bradley and Pearson lined up as they did against Wigan at the weekend.
“I think the Middlesbrough game was important for us away from home because it’s the first time we’ve set up in a way that was fairly defensive, Matty Pearson at right back, me and Cam playing centre back and it just showed that it can work,” said Bradley.
“We got a clean sheet for it and we took a lot of confidence from that. OK, we went to Charlton and it didn’t quite go for us there, we didn’t get the win, but we’ve found a way now to gain points away from home. That’s going to be massively important, moving forwards.
“I still think we can play more at times. When the ball settles down, we need to move faster to get on it and create more chances. It’s a point gained, it’s a clean sheet and I’m fairly happy.”
