Luton have recalled Peter Kioso from his loan with Milton Keynes after boss Nathan Jones said “sooner or later we’re going to have to see if he can play in our first team”.
The 22-year-old has played 17 times, scoring three times and assisting four goals, at the League One club.
Kioso played three times in the Championship this season before heading out on loan, with the move leaving Luton lacking in cover for right back James Bree, who has played every league minute this term.
Speaking ahead of Town’s stunning 3-2 last-gasp win over Bournemouth at the weekend, Jones said of Kioso: “We’ll only recall him if he’s going to feature for us as he’s doing quite well at MK and its been a decent loan for him there.
“If he’s going to impact on us then we have to make a decision soon, so we will make that decision when we have to.”
While Kioso has enjoyed a positive period at the club that released him as a youth player, Jones said: “Sooner or later we’re going to have to see if he can play in our first team and that’s the thing.
“He came back in for three days training last week and then we let him go back out and play two games for MK.
“I went to watch him play on Tuesday night, but he was on the bench which was a bit baffling, so that might contribute to the decision, if he’s only going to play in certain games then we’re better of keeping him here.
“I think, defensively, yes, he can step up and be a good defender for us. He has to improve as, contrary to some opinions, he’s got some very good people ahead of him, or competition from very good people, athletic ones that can defend and want to defend and then do the other side as well.
“So, he has to grow, he has to develop, he has to improve certain attributes, but he wants to do that as he’s a real good pro and we like him in terms of that.”
After Kioso’s return, Town coach Paul Hart said: “I think we had until the 15th to enable us to bring him back and to enable the squad to remain strong.
“And a little bit of that is so we have cover, and the best thing about Peter is that he’s had some minutes on the pitch. He’s been away and he’s a great lad, he’s come back in and given us a lift. He’s a good trainer and it’s good to have him back.”
He added: “We’re covered in many positions. Gabriel Osho can play in a number of positions, this year, he’s played at centre back and full back and as a defensive midfielder and I think that enables us to not take risks, but rest slightly easier to know we’ve got people of that quality to come in.”
Asked about what Kioso needs to improve, Hart said: “I don’t think work on a professional player ever finishes. I prefer to talk about his strengths – he’s an exceptionally good header of the ball, he’s quick, sound defensively.”
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