Hatters confident of JPT upset at Priestfield believes Hayrettin
The Town are aiming to make it seven wins in their last games in all comeptitions when they face Gillingham in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tonight.
And first team coach Hakan Hayrettin says the Hatters hold no fears of continuing their fine run of form against a Gills side flying high in League 1.
“We actually believe whoever we’re playing against we can win,” he said at Monday’s press call. “The staff have drummed that into the players, the gaffer is at the forefront of that and he leads that.
“He makes everyone believe that whoever we play we can beat them and whatever 11 he puts out are capable of beating any team, so it will be a good game. We fear no-one.”
The Hatters are likely to make changes for their first trip to Priestfield since the infamous minus-30 campaign of 2008/09 - the season the Town lifted the JPT at Wembley.
But regardless of the personnel it is also expected to be a strong XI that takes on Justin Edinburgh’s side.
The gaffer’s having a look at it to see what he can come up with,” said Hayrettin. “He wants to get the balance right, put a strong team out and has always said he believes in his squad and whatever team he puts out, it’s going to be his first team.
“We haven’t got a reserve team here, it is one squad, which is the first team one. So the manager will choose it wisely in consideration for the game to come.”
With players returning from injury and improving in fitness Hayrettin explained that some players could be involved in both the development squad game at Southend, which kicks-off almost eight hours before the JPT tie.
“The gaffer will make his mind up nearer the time. We’ve got another game in the morning at Southend, so it could be possible they’ll both be playing in that game, or could be possible they’ll both be playing at Gillingham,” said the Town coach.
“It’s all about making sure that we keep ticking over and getting everyone as many minutes as they can.”