Chieodozie Ogbene has trained ahead of Luton’s trip to Manchester United after concerns over tight hamstrings, with manager Rob Edwards promising there’s “more to come” from the winger.
The Republic of Ireland international has been in fine form for the Hatters since signing from Rotherham United, but after worrying Trent Alexander-Arnold with his pace in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the weekend, he was withdrawn early.
But Ogbene is in line to feature at Old Trafford and manager Rob Edwards said: “He was feeling a few bits, a kick on his foot and a tight hamstring. He’s trained.
“We’ve monitored his load this week, obviously we’ve wanted to look after him. He’s been in the wars, as a few of them have.”
Ogbene has installed himself as a firm fans’ favourite already this season, answering many who criticised Luton for signing a Championship player ahead of their first season in the Premier League.
Asked if he knew the Irishman would have such a positive impact, the Town boss said: “We hoped so. That’s why we took him. When we were preparing to play against Rotherham last year, a lot of our work, from an out of possession point of view and in transition was about stopping him, so that’s why he was on our radar for the recruitment side.
“He’s done really well for Ireland against top level opposition. If you watched the game against France, you’ve seen him do it against top players so it’s not new for him.
“He’s showing it in the Premier League now against top opposition. There’s more to come from him as well.
“I keep saying to him, ‘take the handbrake off Chieo’, so there’s more to come. We want him to be really brave, try things, take risks. He’s certainly exciting when he opens the legs and goes.
“That’s what fans love to see, don’t they? Wingers driving at people and taking people on. Yeah, he’s had some really good moments for us in games so far, but I know there’s more to come from him as well and I think that’s really exciting for us.”
But though Ogbene has avoided a spell on the sidelines, Town’s injury list has one more player added to it in Cauley Woodrow.
“Cauley hurt his calf,” said Edward, adding: “He’s out for a few weeks, so really disappointed. Another one.
“He was really frustrated and we’re disappointed to lose him because he’d been doing really well.”
Woodrow’s setback keeps Luton’s injury list full with the forward added to the absent Amari’i Bell, Reece Burke, Mads Andersen, Dan Potts, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Luke Berry.
But Jordan Clark’s inclusion on the subs’ bench at the weekend was the first time the midfielder has been included in a match-day squad this term after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.
Edwards said: “Click’s had a full week (training) again. He’d only had a couple of days’ training before that one (Liverpool). It was almost needs must with him being around on the bench.
“He’s had a full week’s work, it’s brilliant to have him back and he’s already shown what he’s about in training, so he’s really pleased to be back.”
