Luton forward Banton remains firmly in Jones' plans

The 20-year-old, who broke into the match day squad at the end of last campaign is yet to feature in a one during the league so far this term, although did play 89 minutes in the EFL Trophy against Gillingham recently.

On the progress of Banton, who penned a new deal in the summer, Jones said: “He is doing very well, we’re trying to add certain things to him.

“He was excellent in midweek (against Barton Rovers), he needed to add a goal to cap off a fantastic performance, but he trains well, he’s a real handful and someone that we rate here otherwise he wouldn’t be here.

“We have a strong squad now, a real good 20 where we’ve got two in every position, sometimes three, so we’re happy with him.”

Banton got another 90 minutes under his belt in midweek as Luton retained the Beds Premier Cup with a 4-2 win over their Southern League Division One Central opponents Barton Rovers.

On the run out, Jones added: “It was about topping up people, it came at a good time for people like Alex (Gilliead) and Jake Gray, Isaac Vassell to get his minutes up and then Akin (Famewo), Frankie (Musonda) Tyreeq (Bakinson) and Zane, as it was an excellent performance, it really was.

“It should have been far more comfortable than it was, 4-2, but a good test for them, especially just after half time when they’ve been putting balls in the box, a good test for our younger players, a good run out.

“The competition in the squad is excellent, Jake did very well, two assists, Alex is looking more accomplished every day so we’ve got good options and with three games in a week, we’re going to need those.”