Luton recall Kioso but full back could still return to Bolton on loan

Peter Kioso could still return to Bolton Wanderers on loan after Luton enacted the recall option to bring him back to Bedfordshire today. 

The full back has played 16 times for the League Two side, scoring three times and returns with a view to assessing him.

Kioso has only played once for the Hatters so far – an impressive Carabao Cup appearance against Manchester United – but his return means he will also serve as cover for the injured Martin Cranie, who has a calf strain. 

Wanderers boss Ian Evatt today told BBC Radio Manchester that the recall was because one of Town’s players is struggling with long Covid.

But before that interview was broadcast, when asked about the 21-year-old’s return, Jones said: “The thing was always this is the plan for him and Gaby (Osho – who returned from Yeovil last week), getting them back in our environment for a little while and then assessing them.

“He’s had a real good loan up at Bolton and we’re delighted with his progress, and he might still go back out, he might still go back there, it’s just we’re just assessing him a little bit, getting him back involved with us for a few weeks and then going from there.”

Kioso became something of a fan favourite with the Trotters and Jones said: “He’s done well. He’s been looked after, we were very careful on the club we chose because we had a lot of interest in him, but we kept him around for along period.

“We kept Bolton there because we believed it would be a good loan for him. I know certain people there and the new manager going in has a good record, going in, so we’re delighted that he was looked after and he enjoyed it.

“So, it’s not beyond the realms that he’ll go back out there, but right now he’s back involved in our fold and that’s what always was the plan.

“Of course, and Gaby is in the same position.”

Jones also confirmed he’s looking to loan out Brendan Galloway, after the full back played in Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Reading, his first appearance since suffering a knee injury in November 2019.

“Brendan needs a loan,” said the manager, adding: “He’s not played a lot of football in recent seasons and he needs that.

“Through no fault of his own he got injured here and the old manager brought him here and fully expected to use him when he got injured.

“It’s very unfortunate, he’s worked so hard to get back, he’s a real good lad around the place, I thought he did very well considering the amount of time he’s been out, to play a good Reading side and did very well.

“I was delighted with him, but I think he needs a loan now as there will be decisions to be made come the end of the season and he wants to be in the best position possible.”

Town also confirmed earlier today that Academy prospect Josh Neufville will continue his loan spell at Yeovil until the end of the season. 

Jones said: “Josh had a bit of a meteoric early rise and sort of plateaued a little bit.

“When he broke into the team, I think we were a League Two side, he might have made his debut when we were in League Two, or the latest League One, so with the club moving forward, levels have to step up and young players they either go really quickly or they go quickly and plateau a little bit before they go again.

“That’s what we’re hoping with Josh. Again, it was important we had a number of people who wanted to take Josh, but it was important he went to a good club.

“Obviously, I know the people at Yeovil and didn’t do them a favour, but knew he would get looked after, as they’ve got as good track record in developing young players.

“So, we’re delighted they wanted to take him again and I’m sure he’ll do really well for them.”