Classy Richards surprised but happy to be in the goals since his summer move to Luton

Midfielder Jake Richards is happy, and also slightly surprised, to have become a regular on the scoresheet for Luton after finding the net once more during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Bradford City.

The 18-year-old headed to Kenilworth Road in the summer from Exeter City, where, despite his tender age, had already made 32 senior outings for the Grecians, on target just twice though. Since arriving in Bedfordshire, he has become far more of a goal threat for the Hatters though, opening his account when sliding home Cohen Bramall’s cross at Stockport County and then hammering into the net from outside the box in a 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town.

He then had a spell on the sidelines following illness, but returning to the side recently, made it three goals in his last eight League One outings with a wonderfully composed finish into the bottom corner from 20 yards to set Luton on their way to a vital success against their fellow play-off chasers. Speaking about his purple patch afterwards, Richards said: “I don’t know what’s happened to me since I’ve come here, I’ve started scoring goals!

“As soon as I hit it I thought it was going in and hopefully I can keep adding to the tally. For my age I’ve probably played quite a few games now, so I feel quite settled when I’m in the game. There’s still a few moments that I’ve got to get better at and I know that, but around the box, I back myself to shoot and test the goalie and I’ve done that a few times. The gaffer said the whole week, whoever is at 10 will be able to get on the ball and it was either me or Clicker (Jordan Clark).

"When me and Clicker got into the game it made that a lot easier, we fed the wingers, got them in their one v one situations and created a lot of chances. Kasey (Palmer) is brilliant too, he’s been a great addition. Along with Clicker in that midfield it makes it so much easier for me. I know the quality they’ve got, so I can really trust them on the ball and trust them to find me and then when I’m in that pocket, I can do my thing.

“Coming into the game, we knew what the Bradford side would be like, very direct, very physical and to be fair training this week has been excellent, the boys have been at it. With the conditions we had to give it loads of energy and I think we did that.

"We got the goal that I think we deserved in the first half, kept putting pressure on them and then Shayden’s (Morris) goal not sealed it, but made it a bit easier towards the end, so a good three points. We needed it too, we need to get the fans onside. They give us so much more energy when they’re with us, it was brilliant with the celebrations at full time, that’s what it’s all about.”

Having had to do without Richards, a player who boss Jack Wilshere has likened to himself previously, just when it appeared he was getting into his stride, was tough to take for the manager, but having started him at Huddersfield recently and then used him from the bench against Blackpool, he was quick to restore him to the starting line-up once more at the weekend.

The boss was eager to talk up the talents of the teenager, adding: "Jake’s got a really good technique. Last week when he came onto the pitch (against Blackpool), that’s why we started him. I want that message to the players that you earn your opportunity and then you have to take it and Jake definitely did that. Shayden’s (Morris) done that as well, but Jake technically is clean, he’s one of those players that never really wastes a touch. Every touch, it has a meaning, even if it’s to take it away from a player or to set up his next action, and it was a top finish from him.”