The Hatters may have dropped two points in the recent home fixture with Blackpool, but they are very much still in the shake-up to secure a play-off place.
Luton only need a result to secure one of the coveted four places that could lead to the Hatters becoming a Premier League side.
But with two games left, plus hopefully another three, including a day out at Wembley, Nathan Jones has a decision to make.
With it being confirmed that James Shea’s injured knee could keep him side-lined for as much as a year, does the gaffer need to bring in an emergency loan?
Against Blackpool, Jones opted to use Harry Isted and had the young keeper, Jameson Horlick, on the bench.
Isted did nothing wrong on the day and may be given the chance to finish the season as our #1 choice keeper, but does Nathan have other plans?
Earlier this season, Jones, when faced with a keeper shortage, negotiated a loan for Jed Steer (Aston Villa) and then Alex Palmer (West Bromwich Albion), on an emergency loan, when Steer picked up a bad injury against Chelsea in the FA Cup.
It clearly is a difficult decision that Nathan must make.
Personally, I’d stick with Isted, in his few appearances this season he’s looked more than competent and deserves his chance.
But do you agree or disagree with my musings?
Please feel free to have your say in the comment facility beneath this article.
COYH’s
Fulham v Luton Town?
Fulham to Win!
Luton Town to Win!
A Draw!
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Morning mh, nj has stated that prm clubs are not allowed to let keepers out on 7 day emergency loans an no championship club will loan us a keeper. Therefore we have to go with what we got. No bad thing in my opinion. As isted has earned his place. What does worry me is that now we in preseason we have to find 2 keepers for next season and the impact it has on finances when what has become blindingly obvious is the need for a top goal scorer to go with adebayo an cornick. We have exhausted adebayo through no fault with injury meaning he has not been rested enough.
thanks for the info Chris, this could be the making of Isted, a chance to secure a new deal and perhaps then we might only need to bring in one more keeper.
Mh, while isted is still young in my opinion. The club will still be looking for an experienced no 1. Possibly promoting isted to no2 an to avoid this happening again find another young keeper to be no 3.only my opinion but it would make sense if shea is out for a year possibly. And as I’ve said another goal getter is imperative as well.
could there be a danger Shea might return and find he’s now a #2 next season?
Mh if as reported he is out for 12 months look how far into next season we will be. He has a new contract so he safe an the club can make sure he’s not rushed back look at what happened to steer!! At worst a new experienced keeper is a must an maybe a loan till January is possible but we must have 3 keepers.
good point Chris
having gone on about giving young players a chance, i am more than happy to start isted. what a great experience it is for horlick to be on the bench. you have to go with what is available, and we do have other players to step up. needs must.! who would have thought we would be in the playoff places,almost,what a fantastic acheivement. even though we dont always agree with n.j. ,he thoroughly deserves best manager award. lets enjoy the next few weeks,where ever it goes. COYH.
exactly jimbo, lets live the dream
i hope the club can quickly identify the cause of all the injuries & adapt accordingly. .
Last season & much of this , injuries wernt too bad. so identifying this massive spike is essential.
While i agree given Isted the chance is correct the issue is more what happens if he gets injured or sent off in a game with only youth cover on the bench
Exactly, we’d be up sh^t creek without a paddle
Isted if given the games could be our next number one keeper so give the lad a chance don’t be to quick to dismiss him coyh