Fred Onyedinma put injury woes behind him to make a vital contribution in the Hatters’ 2-2 draw against Derby County on Tuesday evening.
The winger was introduced just after the half-an-hour mark with the team behind and he marked his return with a goal in the 48th minute, despite saying post-match, “I don’t know what part of my body it touched but I was delighted to score, and I just went off celebrating!”
Derby regained the lead on the hour but for Elijah Adebayo’s late leveller which extended Town’s unbeaten run to four matches in the Sky Bet Championship.
“That is what good teams do. Even if we are not playing well or when they scored, we have quality to get goals and that is what we showed with Elijah at the end. I’m delighted to help the team because it is not easy to come away from home and then on a personal note coming back from injury.”
After a poor opening, Nathan Jones took no time to roll the dice and introduced Onyedinma and Admiral Muskwe, something the 24-year-old was surprised about so soon into the match.
“He wanted impact and I think that is what me and Ade did. We wanted to win more second balls and try and be more threatening and that is what we did. We have so much quality on the bench and in the starting eleven. We are always ready and whatever happens, whoever he picks, we give our all.
“I didn’t expect to come on so soon, I thought I would do 15 or so but I had to play through adrenaline, I was delighted to do my part and score.”
With an abundance of attacking talent within the Luton squad, Onyedinma admitted the competition is in the squad is good for everyone to maintain their levels throughout the season.
“With that much quality it keeps you on your toes. Even in training you want to be at your best because you know if you are not at your best, there is someone that will take your place. It is healthy to have good competition.”
And looking ahead to Saturday’s match, he said: “We are looking forward to it. Hopefully the boys will be ready and rested for the game against Hull.”