Howells: Speculation in Luton youngsters a '˜privilege'

Former Luton Town youth product Jake Howells believes speculation in the current crop of teenagers like Tyreeq Bakinson should be deemed a '˜privilege' by those at Kenilworth Road.
Tyreeq Bakinson on his Luton debutTyreeq Bakinson on his Luton debut
Tyreeq Bakinson on his Luton debut

Bakinson, 17, was reported to have caught the eye of Premier League side Spurs recently, before Hatters tied him down to a long term contract.

However, Howells, who was released earlier this month, believes any interest should be viewed as a compliment, saying: “They’ve got to work hard to get those sort of interest and I think it’s a privilege for Tyreeq and the others to get interest like that as they deserve it.

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“They’ve done so well this year, and it’s a good thing that people are watching them, they’re obviously doing something right.

“So whether we keep them or not, I think they know the club is going to go forward.

“It would be good for them to stay and hopefully get a lot of games under their belt and then maybe progress if that’s the right move.

“These boys have got a chance now, they’ve come on, it’s fully deserved and I’m really happy for them.”

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Bakinson was handed his first team debut in the closing stages of Luton’s 4-1 win over Exeter recently and caught the eye immediately as he was quick to win back possession with a firm challenge before going on to produce a neat and tidy performance.

Howells continued: “You trust him, we all know how good he is and what potential he has got.

“Everyone knows he’s got a lot of ability, like all of them, on the pitch you shouldn’t fear it.

“He’s a Luton Town player and he’s earned to come on the first team pitch, give him the ball, you’ve got to trust him.

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“He’s very good on the ball and sits in that defensive midfield position and knows what he’s doing.

“He’s got a lot to learn, but I think he knows that and he’ll work and learn the things he doesn’t know but that comes with games and experience.

“Training with the first team every day, he’ll learn and pick up things. He’s got plenty of ability and hopefully he does well in the game.”

Although watching from the stands, fellow former Luton defender Scott Griffiths was also left impressed by the club’s next generation, as he added: “The young lads that came on the other day, I thought they did really well, they looked confident on the ball, looked like they wanted to be out there, wanted to get the ball.

“It’s always nice for people making debuts and getting some time on the field as a youngster, especially when they do well and have the crowd behind them, it’s a real confidence booster.”