Jack Wilshere has backed Kasey Palmer to rediscover his creative form for Luton Town, while praising the midfielder’s contribution to the team when the goals have been harder to come by.
Palmer returned to Luton permanently in the summer after impressing last season with eight goals while on loan from Hull City, but Wilshere acknowledged that the midfielder has yet to reach the same heights this campaign, though he has notched two goals and two assists.
Palmer spent the international break playing for Jamaica but has returned to Luton unscathed. Wilshere confirmed that he hasn’t been carrying an injury, despite some internet theories, but he believes Palmer’s value should also be judged by his work away from the attacking statistics, highlighting an improvement in his defensive contribution.
“Last year, everyone loved him because he was scoring and assisting,” Wilshere said. “And of course that’s what you want from a player like that who has the ability to do that.
“What I like about Kasey and the challenge for Kasey this season is, when that’s not happening, what has he given to the team He’s definitely working harder. He’s given us more defensively.”
Wilshere added that Palmer’s experience of playing at a higher level meant he understood the standards required of him and was capable of being self-critical when performances fell short of his expectations.
“I know he’s frustrated with that,” said the manager, adding: “He wants to score, he wants to assist, he wants to help the team. But he’s also helping with the other side, which I like about I like about Kasey. He is a real team player and committed to that.
“Kasey is a player that can reach a high level. He showed that last year in terms of the goals and assists. And I have no doubt that that’s not too far away.”
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