Cole starts as Luton make six changes for Trophy clash with Ipswich U21s

Jersey Mike’s Subs Trophy: Luton Town v Ipswich Town U21s

Devante Cole has been handed his first start of the season for Luton in tonight’s Jersey Mike’s Subs Trophy group stage clash against Ipswich Town U21s at Kenilworth Road.

Devante Cole has been recalled by the Hatters this evening - pic: David Horn

placeholder image — Devante Cole has been recalled by the Hatters this evening - pic: David Horn

The 31-year-old’s only outing this term so far was in the Carabao Cup when he came off the bench at Premier League Chelsea in the 2-0 loss, while his last time in the XI from the first whistle on March 21 when Stockport County were the visitors. Cole is one of six changes made by boss Jack Wilshere from the 1-0 home defeat against Bradford City at the weekend, with youngster Zach Ioannides in for his full debut, having played once in this competition last season.

The duo join captain Kal Naismith, Joe Johnson, Gideon Kodua and the fit-again Jordan Clark in starting, with Hakeem Odoffin dropping to the bench, Callum Marshall, Kasey Palmer and Izzy Jones away on international duty, with George Johnston and Liam Walsh rested. Also in the match-day squad is defender Teden Mengi for his first involvement since February due to a hamstring injury and possible move away, the ex-England U21 international joining youngsters Harry Fox, Jack Lorentzen-Jones and Dawid Gawel in being named among the substitutes.

With Town’s League One campaign now halted until October 10 due to the international break, boss Wilshere was looking forward to tonight’s clash, especially as it represents a chance to put Saturday’s defeat behind them, adding: “We have to flip that and use this time to work, to train, to build connections. I actually like the fact there are a couple of games in there because, from the players’ perspective, they don’t just want to train, train, train, they want games as well. So, yes, it’s a long time until the next league game, but it gives us time to work.”

Hatters: James Shea, Zach Ioannides, Mads Andersen, Kal Naismith ©, Joe Johnson, Dan Gore, Jordan Clark, Jake Richards, Emilio Lawrence, Gideon Kodua, Devante Cole. Subs: Josh Keeley, Hakeem Odoffin, Teden Mengi, Harry Fox, Harrison Ashby, Jack Lorentzen-Jones, Dawid Gawel.

Tractor Boys U21s: Alex Noonan, Azor Matusiwa, Charlie Compton, Jacob Mazionis ©, Leon Elliott, Luca Fletcher, Josh Lewis, Jamie Mauge, Frankie Runham, Ryan Doherty, Oliver Wilkinson. Subs: Josh Bentley, Sid Eldred, Nelson Eze, Shakil Nicolaou, Bobby Sains, Charlie Wood, Jayden Adetiba. Referee: Callum Walchester.