Tom Lockyer will lead Luton out today for their historic Premier League debut at Brighton, keen to put to bed the nightmare of his last competitive start when he collapsed at Wembley Stadium.
The centre half has been named Town’s new permanent captain, having had the honour of wearing the armband for the Championship play-off final, which only lasted eight minutes before his heart beat four times faster than it should.
After worrying scenes, the 28-year-old had to watch from a London hospital bed as his team-mates beat Coventry City 6-5 on penalties to book their place in the big time.
Lockyer had the all-clear in June and is just happy to be back playing after fearing for a few days in the hospital that his career might be over. As it turned out, his concerns were eased by Professor Sanjay Sharma, who also treated Denmark international Christian Eriksen, after the Manchester United midfielder suffered a heart attack during Euro 2020.
“In the end, I ended up having the same cardiologist that Eriksen had so it was put to bed quite early that I’ll be back, no problem,” Lockyer said.
“As soon as I spoke to him he said Erikssen’s was worse and he’s back so straight away I was in good spirits.
“You always hear from certain people messaging you, saying ‘I had this’, or ‘I had that and it’s never the same’.
“So I didn’t ever think there was a doubt about coming back to play, but if I was going to be the same type of player, or if I could still do the same things. Touch wood, it all seems good so far and I’ve still got electric pace.
“Professor Sanjay Sharma was incredible. Obviously, the one who done Eriksen. Now, I’m on increased monitoring, so I’ve been checked up on a lot more than the average footballer, but that just means I’m a bit more looked after.
“There’s nothing, going forward now. Obviously, I had a little operation at the time, and as heart operations go, I hear it’s the most routine one, so I’m not worried at all.
“I’m looking to put this all behind me and be done with these sorts of questions and just concentrate on the football.”
Lockyer’s dad Steve inadvertently took the now-viral photo of the defender celebrating promotion from his hospital bed, surrounded by his family.
Asked if today at the Amex Stadium will be emotional, he said: “Maybe more so for them (his family), more than me. It’s not on my mind any more. I only talk about it when I get asked about it.
“I won’t be think anything it that. I know my mum is a little bit more sensitive than I am and she doesn’t like being reminded of anything like that, so it might be nice for her to see me back, but apart from that, I’m fine.”
Lockyer was Town’s de facto skipper and leader last term, when former club captain Sonny Bradley was out injured, but he was officially handed the honour full-time yesterday.
Asked about the captaincy, he said: “It’s surreal innit. I’m a little bit speechless and how to describe how it feels, but it’s incredible – a massive honour not just for me but my family as well. It’s not something I take lightly. I’m speechless.
“Saturday will be a special occasion. As I’ve said, it’s a massive honour to lead such a good club, which has felt like home since I stepped through the door, to walk out the lads in the Premier League with the armband on. It’s really special.”
Lockyer admitted the conversation with Talking of his decision to name Lockyer his captain, manager Rob Edwards told the club’s website: “He was the natural choice. His performances for us since we arrived have been incredibly high and incredibly consistent. He demands high standards and has the respect and trust of us all.
“We’re delighted to have him as captain, it’s something he thoroughly deserves.”
The manager added: “There’s not many people that deserve it more than him. I know this club’s had their journey. He’s had his own journey as well.
“He was in the National League and to be leading the team out now in the Premier League, he should be very proud of himself.”
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