‘There’s always a few difficult decisions and Pelly’s one of those,’ says Edwards

Luton boss Rob Edwards has admitted that it has been hard to leave Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu out of his team selections but has praised the midfielder for his professionalism. 

The 30-year-old has been at the Hatters for 11 years and is the only player ever to have played for the same club in every division from the Conference to the Premier League. 

Though Mpanzu featured 27 times in the top flight last term, he’s been restricted to just six substitute appearances in the Championship this season. 

His last outing came almost a month ago, when he had a five minute cameo in the 1-0 win over Hull City, and he’s only played a total of 95 minutes across this campaign. 

Some fans have been calling for the inclusion of Mpanzu, particularly in the wake of seven straight defeats on the road.

And now with Shandon Baptiste out injured and Liam Walsh suspended for four games, for his second red card this season, Town will host Derby County tonight with depleted midfield options.

Asked about Mpanzu’s lack of game time, Edwards said: “It’s always been difficult. Pelly’s brilliant and always gives everything all the time. It’s been hard. I think that middle of the pitch area, that’s been pretty competitive, and it’s been hard to leave him or even Marv (Nakamba), people like that out, but those are some of the decisions that we have to make. 

“It’s really difficult at times. He’s someone who I’ve got the utmost respect for. Love him. That bit’s hard. But he gives us everything every day. He’s always here, he’s always himself, and that’s really, really important.

“It’ll be frustrating for him because obviously, like any player, he wants to wants to play, wants to perform, or he’s been used to that for so long, but he’s a really important part of the group. 

“It will affect him, but he doesn’t let that show and that’s important because, especially in challenging times like this as well. 

“The group have been great. Players that haven’t been starting regularly, they’ve been very respectful, they’re working really hard and pushing the group. 

“I couldn’t want for any more there, but in the end we always try to select off what we’re seeing on the training pitch or what we feel is the right option, going into the games. 

“I suppose you only win or get it right if you win and there’s always going to be (questions, like) ‘what about him? What about him?’ There’s always a few difficult decisions and Pelly’s one of those because of what he means to this club.”