Simon Sluga’s price tag will not be a factor in whether or not Graeme Jones decides to keep faith with the Croatian goalkeeper after two decisive errors in Luton’s last match.
The club record signing, bought for €1.5m in the summer from HNK Rijeka, has played every Championship game so far, but was at fault for both Derby County goals in a 2-0 defeat before the international break and Jones was not impressed afterwards.
It has been a tough start to Sluga’s career in England as world-class saves have been overshadowed by mistakes, including one on his league debut when he let a weak shot through his fingers against Middlesbrough.
James Shea, who won the League One Golden Gloves last term, is waiting in the wings, and while Jones will wait until the last moment to tell the goalkeepers who starts against Bristol City tomorrow, his decision will be based on one thing.
“I’m only interested in performances,” the manager said, when asked if Sluga’s transfer fee will be a factor.
“That’s the business I’m in, performances and results, and I’ve got to make decisions for the best interests of this football club, that’s what I was appointed to do and I’ve done that so far.
“My conscience is absolutely clear on that and I’ll do the same tomorrow.
“I treat everybody the same, if you double up in every position, everyone knows their role, there’s no such thing as an 11 and the rest, everybody gets treated the same, I name the team at 1.30 and that will be no different tomorrow.
“I think the hard thing is to leave it late, they easy thing is to get it off your chest, name the team and deal with it.
“But I think you give the opposition an advantage if it gets out. They’ve got agents and friends at other club, you tell one person, it always get leaked, I’d rather have any advantage kept in-house at Luton Town, so that’s the only reason.”
Asked if goalkeeping mistakes can affect the whole team and particularly the defence, Jones said: “Without a doubt, but there’s no margin for error.
“James Collins has been outstanding this season, scored five goals, misses a chance (against Derby), but there’s margin for error with James.
“I was a centre forward, I was the same, you missed that and you put one over the top, or you let one go under your foot. There’s no margin for error as a goalkeeper and that’s something that the responsibility that comes with that position, so I’m constantly assessing like I am in every position and that’s no different. I’ll make the right decision.”
Despite Shea having to sit on the bench, Jones said the stopper has been “perfect”, adding: “Very rarely have I seen that in the game, 33 years, very rarely have I seen a character like him, the same.
“Playing, winning promotion, not playing, he’s the same character. So, we’re lucky to have somebody like him at the football club and I really, really mean that, as well as being a really good goalkeeper. He’s been a pleasure.”
