Hatters boss Nathan Jones is looking forward to tomorrow night’s Checkatrade Trophy opener against Tottenham Hotspur U21s after getting the distraction of the Isaac Vassell transfer out of the way.
The Town host Spurs’ youngsters – one of four new entrants to the competition from the invited EPPP Category One academy side along with Manchester City, Newcastle and Fulham – in a 7.45pm kick-off at Kenilworth Road.
The match kicks off Southern Group F before another home game against Barnet, on Tuesday 3rd October, and a trip to AFC Wimbledon on 31st October.
“Everything was a relief from Saturday, so I’m really looking forward to tomorrow night,” said Jones “We are going to make a few changes and let everyone have their opportunity, and it’s going to be a real entertaining game.
“We know how Tottenham are going to play. They aren’t going to change. We come up against a real good development side, and it’ll be a good game.”
Captain Scott Cuthbert is going to have a scan after aggravating a thigh injury in the defeat at Barnet on Saturday, but Danny Hylton and James Justin are set to return to action.
“We are looking forward to getting them back because they are two fantastic players,” added Jones. “It’ll be a good boost. They’ve trained well and are gathering a bit of momentum, so it’s a big week.”
Jones says he is well versed in how Spurs – who must start six players who were under the age of 21 on 30th June 2017 – will play.
He’ll also come up against a former team-mate in the technical area in the form of Justin Cochrane, with whom he played at Yeovil and who is now assistant to U23 boss Wayne Burnett, the ex-Dagenham & Redbridge manager.
“Ironically you watch Spurs U23s as much as you watch Mansfield or Lincoln, or anyone, because they play regularly and it’s a pool that a lot of clubs at our level dip into, so we’ve had a good eye on them,” said Jones.
“We’ve watched them two or three times. I watched them against Cambridge in pre-season and had them covered at Sunderland the other day, so we’ll know how they play. I know Wayne Burnett very well, Justin Cochrane also – I played with Justin – so it’ll be a good game.”
TICKETS for tomorrow’s game cost just £5 for adults and £1 for Under-16s!
You can purchase in advance from the ticket office in person, by calling 01582 416976 or online by clicking here.
You will also be able to pay on the turnstiles, with the Main Stand, Main Enclosure and Kenilworth Road Lower open to home supporters. The Oak Road End is open only to visiting supporters.