Jones explains what keeping Kioso means for defender’s Luton future

The next three months will determine if Peter Kioso has a future at Luton, boss Nathan Jones has said. 

The defender was recalled from a loan spell at Milton Keynes last month and had been expected to go back out on a temporary deal in yesterday’s transfer deadline day.

The League One side and their Buckinghamshire rivals Wycombe Wanderers were reported destinations but Milton Keynes signed Aston Villa full back Kaine Kesler on loan and a move for Kioso did not materialise. 

Jones said: “We have to get to a point with Pete where we believe he will be a Luton Town player or we be fair to him and let him develop his career elsewhere. 

“Pete signed for the club when I wasn’t here so it took me a bit of time to properly run my eye over him. I then saw him at Milton Keynes and Northampton especially, and believe he is at the level to play for us now.”

Before Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers, Kioso had played in Luton’s previous three games and speaking of his future, Jones told the club’s website: “We recalled him to have a look and to cover, he did well in those games, and we believe it is the right thing now to keep him in because these next three months are a big three months for everyone at the football club, including Pete.

“We won’t keep Pete around if he won’t get game time. What we have to do now is test him and then we have a real big decision to make in the summer. 

“I really hope Pete does well and integrates himself and shows that we can move forward with him, and he can move forward with us.”

While Kioso remained with Luton, midfielder Glen Rea did depart on loan, joining Wigan Athletic until the end of the season, even though Jones did not want the former Brighton man to leave.