Wilshere backs striker Cole to deliver goals despite slow start to life at Luton

Jack Wilshere has backed Devante Cole to come good in front of goal for Luton Town despite the striker still waiting for his first strike since arriving at Kenilworth Road in the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old has played 444 minutes across nine appearances for the Hatters since signing from Port Vale, but he only registered his first on target in the second half of Tuesday’s 3-2 League One win over Exeter City.

With a hamstring injury to highest-scoring forward Nahki Wells ruling the Bermudan out of tomorrow’s visit of play-off rivals Stockport County, and fellow forward Elijah Adebayo (hip) likely to be absent too, the onus may fall even more heavily on Cole in the coming weeks.

Ali Al-Hamadi – who is also still searching for his first Hatters goal – has been in full training all week so is expected to feature in the squad, but Wilshere insists Cole is contributing more than his goal return might suggest.

“He’s been good. He’s been working really hard for the team and sometimes that’s what you need from your strikers,” said the Town boss.

Wilshere admitted the forward is still adjusting after making the late move to Kenilworth Road, but believes his efforts off the ball have been important to the way Luton have been playing.

“He’s come in and obviously it’s not easy coming into a new team, new way of playing, but he’s applied himself really well and he’s worked extremely hard for the group,” Wilshere said of Cole’s efforts.

Although he’s yet to add to his tally of eight goals, scored for Port Vale, the Town boss said he has no doubts that Cole’s fortunes will change if he continues to put himself in the right positions.

Wilshere said: “As a striker you want to score goals and he knows that, but sometimes you have to be patient. If he keeps getting into the right areas then the chances will come.”

Cole’s industry was evident in the victory over Exeter, when he helped stretch the Grecians’ defence and created space for others and Wilshere believes that patience will be key as the striker settles fully into the squad.

“He’s working hard every day in training, he’s doing everything we ask of him and if he keeps doing that then I’m sure the goals will come.”