Ex-England international tips one of his 'favourites' to have a bright future at Luton

Luton assistant boss Chris Powell has tipped one of his ‘favourites’, youngster Harry Fox, to have an extremely bright future at Kenilworth Road after he agreed a new contract with the club recently.

The 56-year-old is in a pretty good position to judge too, having been a left back, the same position as Fox, of some repute during his playing days, making over 650 appearances for several clubs including Derby County, Charlton Athletic and West Ham United, winning the First Division title in 2000 with the Addicks, the Championship play-off final with the Hammers in 2005 and finishing as League One champions when at Leicester City in 2009.

Powell was named in the 1999-2000 First Division PFA Team of the Year, going on to feature at the very highest level too when earning five senior caps for England as well. Having successfully turned his hand to management, joining Luton when Jack Wilshere took over in October of last year, it’s unsurprising that he has taken a particular interest in Fox’s development, the youngster signing for Town’s academy at U8 level, progressing through the ranks to make his senior debut last year in the Vertu Trophy, playing three times in total.

He has also been heavily involved during the Hatters’ pre-season programme this term, earning extensive run-outs against Hitchin Town, Barnet and Al Kholood, also figuring in the 5-0 thrashing of Walsall on Wednesday afternoon. Asked about the 18-year-old, who has clearly impressed Wilshere too, named in his match-day squad twice last term at Exeter City and Port Vale, Powell said: “He’s one of my favourites personally, I shouldn’t say that but he is, because I can see a young player who understands what Jack (Wilshere) wants.

"He understands the game, for one so young, and hopefully we’ll get it right with him. Does he stay? Does he go out? But he’s here and while he’s here we’ll do our best to get him in scenarios that improve him and he’s a good type. We’ve got some good young players at the club, obviously they need opportunity, you've got to time it right, got to make sure that you do things right for them, not only yourself and for the football club, but for them as an individual. So we’ll see what happens with Foxy, with Jayden (Luker), with Chigsy (Christian Chigozie), and we’ll see what the season brings for them.”

Powell also stated there was never any doubt that the teenager, who was named Town’s Premier League Scholar of the Year in May, would be offered the chance to extend his stay with the Hatters. With any doubts about his future taken away, Fox can now settle in to try and break into Luton’s League One side this term, as the experienced assistant added: “He wasn’t going anywhere, let me tell you that.

"Eventually it all got sorted out, once it was then it does take a little bit of a weight off his mind, he can now pursue a Luton Town career and see where it takes him. He’s a midfielder by trade, but he’s turned into a left back the last couple of seasons so he’s learning a new position. As we play, sometimes he finds himself in midfield, but he’s comfortable, and that’s very important for the identity and style that we have. He’s one whose taken to it very easily, he looks good in training, is finding his voice as that’s another thing. People think it’s very easy, but when you’re a young player playing with established pros, to tell them they’re doing it wrong, is something you have to develop, so let’s see what happens with Harry, but he’s ticking along really well.”