A delighted Jake Howells paid tribute to his manager, his captain and the Hatters' youth development department after signing the first professional contract of his career.

The 18-year-old completed the formalities on a two-year deal at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday and vowed to build on an impressive first season with the club which saw him scoop the Young Player of the Year award.

And it was the support of Mick Harford, Kevin Nicholls, Alan Neilson and Gregg Broughton that Howells said helped the most during an up and down campaign for the Town which also saw the left-footer pick up a Johnstone's Paint Trophy winners' medal.

"It's good to get it all done and I can look forward to next season," he said.

"It was brilliant at my age to play as many games as I did and to top it all off by winning at Wembley was a great experience and I can't ask for any more from the Gaffer and everyone at the club who has given me the chance.

"Nico has been brilliant to play with too. He's good in the changing room and he's a character but it's different to be playing on the pitch with him. He's the captain and he's a great example on the pitch helping you out.

"Gregg and Alan have helped massively too. At the start of the season I was with the youth team and they were encouraging me.

"They stayed out on the training pitch an hour after training with me practising my technique and it's got me where I am today."

After a season which saw the left-footer make 36 appearances in Luton colours, the youngster is hoping to continue his experience during next season's tilt at returning to the Football League.

He said: "I hope to play as many games as I did last year, make more appearances and score some goals for the team.

"Last year I'd thought I'd get 10 games but getting close to 40 was brilliant for me. If I can get near that target again next season then it bodes well for next season.

"Over the season I started to get more confident and kicked on from there. I used the ball more, got used to the fans and everything eventually came naturally towards the end of the season."

With Harford often pushing Howells forward into left midfield last season, the teenager admitted he'd play in any position as long as he was on field in the manager's starting 11.

"I like playing left back as I like to push on and attack," he said. "Hopefully I can get better at defending but I don't mind playing anywhere on the left as long as I'm on the pitch playing."