Graeme Jones has told Ryan Tunnicliffe to leave emotion out of his first meeting with former club Millwall tomorrow night.
The midfielder joined the Hatters this summer after being released by the Lions and has been one of Town’s most consistent performers, playing every minute of their Championship campaign so far.
Manager Jones has been delighted with the 26-year-old’s performances and wants more of the same for the televised clash at Kenilworth Road.
“He’s been a very good signing, really, really happy with him,” Jones told the club’s website.
“He has had to change positions, he has had to show his game intelligence and understanding, which is far better than I ever give him credit for. So I really like where he is.
“There’s a message for Ryan, he doesn’t have to show any emotion in this game, he has to go about his business in the same way he has done for the previous games and he will be absolutely fine.”
Luton returned to winning ways on Saturday at Blackburn after two straight Championship defeats and the game saw the midfield return of Jacob Butterfield and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, who partnered Tunnicliffe in the centre of the park.
Izzy Brown was given a more advanced role – one that paid dividends, as the Chelsea loan ace provided the assists for James Collins and Matty Pearson’s goals.
Talking about his midfield, manager Jones said: “I still feel like after Saturday we are a work in progress in that area.
“We have got really capable midfield players, but none of them are specific to certain roles, so having that rotation and having that understanding in the eight role, or the six role or the ten role, that’s the work in progress.”
Jones called Blackburn the best side his Hatters team has faced this term, but he knows a different set of challenges await when Millwall visit Kenilworth Road.
“We’ve got a different style to plan for in Millwall,” he said, adding: “It will be a totally different environment at home, it’s a night game, so we have to be ready for whatever comes our way, that’s the most important quality in football now. You need to be adaptable, you need to be flexible, so just look forward.”
