Charles wants a starting berth at Southport

The 32-year-old was expected to form a partnership with Steve McNulty after signing in the summer, but injury has seen Alex Lacey appear to jump ahead of him in the pecking order.

Charles played 90 minutes as Town beat Thurrock 4-2 in their last pre-season friendly on Monday night and speaking afterwards, he said: “Alex has done very well so far, so it’s up to me to put myself across and make sure the gaffer’s aware of what I can do.

“I want to be part of the team, I want to play Saturday.

“Hopefully I can get myself in the gaffer’s thoughts now, but nobody should be able to walk into a team, the competition is only good.”

Charles has vast experience of the Conference, winning the title twice while with Aldershot and Barnet and can see similarities between those squad’s and the one at Kenilworth Road, as the defender wants his side to lay down a marker this weekend.

For the full story, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now, while for all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our Hatters Microsite.