First Team

Bloomfield: We'll be guided by Thomas

Hatters boss supports his keeper following the passing of his father this week

KAM

Matt Bloomfield says he will be guided by Thomas Kaminski as to whether the Town goalkeeper will play in Saturday’s final home game of the season against Coventry City.

The Hatters goalkeeper returned to training on Friday having been back in Belgium following the death of his father, Jacek.

Bloomfield travelled out to Belgium to accompany his goalkeeper back to the UK on Thursday and the manager explained he will give Kaminski all the time he needs to make a decision.

“We’re guided by Thomas, and if he says he’s happy, I have no doubt that he is. If that’s the case, and it is at the minute, then he will play,” said the boss.

“He’s back here for a reason and that’s because he wants to play. He’s trained but we’ll give him as long as he needs.

“I’m incredibly proud of him and I know his dad will be looking down and be proud of his son too.

“I got the train to Brussels and met Thomas and his mum. It felt right that I should accompany him back home.”

Jordan Clark, who was crowned the supporters' player of the year in midweek, has overcome a calf injury that kept him out of the Easter Monday win over Bristol City.

Kal Naismith will also return to the squad after the on-loan defender was unavailable to face his parent club.

The availability of the pair will give the manager plenty of options ahead of Saturday’s game with play-off chasing Coventry at the Kenny.

“We’ve got choices. We’ve got everyone plus those from last week, so the group’s growing,” said Bloomfield at his Friday press call.

“We’ve been missing some of our big players and characters since we’ve been in the building but slowly but surely we’re getting them back and now it’s showing in the results – but we’re not getting carried away.

“The moment we get carried away we’re in trouble.”

The Hatters know even a point could lift them out of the Championship bottom three going into the next week’s final game at West Brom.

And Bloomfield is confident his side can survive – but only they continue to show the same belief and focus.

“We’ve seen an awful lot of hard work, resilience and persistence these last few months. We’ve given ourselves a chance,” said the manager.

“We believe we’re going to do it and I’ve always had that belief. There’s been some tough moments but the confidence and belief have kept growing.

“We need to approach the game with the same intensity as we did last week and stay calm.

“But the players have been fantastic – the leaders among them have stood out.”

With Town supporters urged to turn Kenilworth Road orange for the final home game of the campaign, Bloomfield is hoping the atmosphere can help spur his side to victory against the Sky Blues.

“I want it to be bouncing,” he said. “Our supporters haven’t had a lot to cheer this season but we’ve given them a couple of good days recently.

“I’m sure they’ll be in full voice on Saturday. The place is like no other when it’s bouncing and I’m looking forward to it. We’re one club united and hopefully we can bring out the best in them.”

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