Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere says Liam Walsh has the full backing of everyone at the club as the midfielder prepares to return to the squad following the devastating miscarriage suffered by him and partner Missy Bo Kearns.
Walsh missed the 1-1 draw against Stockport County prior to the international break and then last week his partner, an Aston Villa Women’s ace, revealed that the couple had suffered the loss of their baby during pregnancy.
Wilshere confirmed that Walsh has been back with the Luton squad this week, including Monday’s open training session in front of fans at Kenilworth Road, and he could be involved in tomorrow’s League One clash with Peterborough United at Kenilworth Road.
The manager said: “Yeah, he’s OK. We just have to take care of him. Everyone probably can see how much I like Walshy as a player. I love him as a person.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s a leader in his own way. He drives the team forward with his performances. And I always call him our technical leader. He sets the tempo and the rhythm for us.
“So yeah, he’s OK. Always his family first. And he knows he’s got my full support and whatever he needs, we’re here for him.”
Wilshere admitted the situation had been difficult for the entire squad as they rallied around the popular midfielder and his England Lionesses partner.
“In these situations it’s always down to the player,” the Hatters boss said when asked about whether the Liverpudlian was ready to play.
“We demand a lot from the players technically, tactically, physically. But the one thing that they have to be right is in their mind. I’m a dad of four and I’ve got a family and when something happens or there’s a problem there it throws you off.
“It was really tough. Really tough for everyone really. Because of how much we care about Walshy. It hurt us because we knew that Walshy was suffering and we wanted to support him and give him the time that he needed. He’s been in over the last few days and trained really well and let’s see how he is.”
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