Goalscorer Adebayo happy to show a glimpse of what he can bring to Luton's front-line with debut goal

Striker opens his account for the Hatters during 1-1 draw
Elijah Adebayo celebrates scoring his first goal for the Hatters last nightElijah Adebayo celebrates scoring his first goal for the Hatters last night
Elijah Adebayo celebrates scoring his first goal for the Hatters last night

Luton striker Elijah Adebayo felt he gave an early glimpse into just what he can offer the Hatters upfront during his full debut in the 1-1 draw against Millwall last night.

The 23-year-old deadline day signing from Walsall was handed a first start in place of James Collins and impressed from virtually the word go.

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Winning his headers, strong in possession with his back to goal, willing to track opposition defenders, quick feet and possessing an excellent touch for someone of his undoubted size, was then topped off by a first goal for the club as well.

Adebayo who had only previously played in League Two before joining Luton, with 10 goals for the Saddlers this term, spoke of his own display and how he found the step-up in class, saying: "For me it was just about working my way into it.

“Obviously coming from lower leagues down, it’s about finding my feet, finding my pace of the game and then showing my qualities when I can.

“It was just about building slowly into the game and doing things the right way.

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“My baseline is always working hard, so working hard for the team and then you get opportunities if you work hard.

“The quality is definitely a big factor, people do things quicker than the lower leagues and you’ve just got to be patient.

“But it’s always good to get a goal, especially for myself as a striker.

"It was heading like it was going to be a good night, but just a little bit of a lapse in concentration at the end cost us a point.

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“We fought until the end, we were diligent, we tried to nullify what we knew they were going to come with and then it’s just concentrating for 96 minutes of the game, which obviously we didn’t, but there are positives and we just look to bounce back Saturday now.”

Adebayo’s goal when it came showed just what he can bring to a forward line that has struggled this season, with just 24 goals in 31 games so far, the lowest scoring post-war season at such a stage.

Demonstrating a brilliant touch to take Ryan Tunnicliffe’s cross on his right foot, he then used his left to sidefoot goalwards as Lions keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, who caught the eye at Kenilworth Road last season, allowed the effort to roll under his dive.

It could have been an even better night for the striker too, as moments later he headed a glorious chance over following some fine wing-play from the impressive Jordan Clark.

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He continued: “I think if I connect with it properly the keeper probably saves it, but I’ll take it, it was a positive for me.

"I was saying to myself if I get one chance I’m going to take it and obviously it came and then I got another chance and unfortunately that didn't go in for me.

"But I keep my head high and when I get my chance next time, I’ll put that right.

"I'll work hard on the training pitch to make sure those are my bread and butter and they are going in, but delighted with the goal.

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“The second opportunity I had, if I put that away then it’s 2-0, game’s over.

"But these things happen, something I’ve got to learn that at Championship football you’ve got to take your chances when they come by and then game settles down even more.”

Adebayo had gone up against some experienced centre halves on the night, with Scott Malone, Alex Pearce and Shaun Hutchinson all regulars in the Championship in their careers.

He relished the battle though, adding: “Back to play is the type of striker I am, I know I’m going to get bumps and kicks, so it’s just about picking myself up after everyone and showing them that I’m not going to do down without a fight.

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"I know I have to mix my game up a little bit, I know that they want to try and fight me, so I know I have to mix my game up.

"Going in behind, come short to feet, maybe drag them to places they don’t want to come into and then move on.

"It was a good battle all three of them enjoyed the battle tonight.”