Hatters boss Mick Harford has admitted he is unsurprised that former colleague Mike Newell is back in football at Grimsby.

He said: "I'm sure he was going to get an opportunity as a manager and he has taken on a big challenge there I'm sure."

Asked whether the asppoinement would add spice to their forthcoming encounter, he added: "Not for me, it might for Mike. I've got enough on my plate to worry about here at Luton and not other people at other clubs."

The Luton boss also revealed that they may have to arrange a game to help with striker Drew Talbot's comeback from injury.

Harford said: "Drew Talbot is maybe two weeks away from a reserve team game. He is back in full training and fully contact and is being tackled now. His desire and passion and enthusiasm is fantastic and he has a great mental attitude to get himself fit."

He also admitted a Wembley date in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy would be a great reward.

Harford said: "I think it breeds confidence. The quarter-final of any cup is an achievement. We want to get through - we want to get to Wembley. We will be looking to progress as far as we can."

He also had words of praise for left-back Jake Howells, adding: "He was thrown in at the deep end at Bradford. He has come in and done very well and in all fairness deserved an opportunity and hopefully he will learn and progress.

"He gets forward, he has got a lot of energy and a lot of pace, but he has got a lot to learn."