Stephen O'Donnell makes it signing number five this summer
The Hatters have secured the services of highly-rated defender Stephen O’Donnell on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle.
O’Donnell, who turned 23 last month, played 139 times in four seasons for the Jags, and has signed an initial two-year deal at Kenilworth Road.
Primarily a right-back, O’Donnell was initially on the books at Aberdeen as a youngster before moving to Celtic.
Stephen twice helped the Bhoys’ youth team to a league and cup double during his time in the academy at Celtic Park.
However, he left Parkhead without making a senior appearance and signed for Partick in 2011. In 2012/13 he was named in the Scottish First Division Team of the Year as he helped the Firhill outfit win promotion to the top flight.
Capped once at under-21 level for Scotland, the Bellshill-born defender can also operate further forward, as his record of 10 goals in the past four campaigns testifies.
His form in the SPL alerted the attentions of a number of clubs and in January he turned down an approach from then-Championship club Blackpool.
On the Hatters’ latest signing, manager John Still told lutontown.co.uk: “One of our scouts alerted me about Stephen – we had a look and were very impressed.
“He’s a very positive and enthusiastic player and he’s very keen to do well for himself.
“During our conversations Stephen wanted to know exactly how we saw him as a player, how we played, and wanted to know precisely the Club’s future plans, on and off the pitch. He’d certainly done his homework on us.
“He was a highly sought-after player and we’re thrilled he’s joined us.”
Stephen told Hatters Player: “I can't wait to get going and help this club move forward with it's ambition.”
Further reaction from Stephen to follow on Player.