Hatters boss elated as Collins notches treble in Norwich win

James Collins slots home for his hat-trick against Norwich

Luton boss Nathan Jones was thrilled to see striker James Collins notch an opening day hat-trick for the Hatters in their 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City this afternoon.

The Town forward made it 62 goals in 140 appearances for the club with his fourth treble since arriving from Crawley Town in the summer of 2017 to dump the Canaries out of the competition at the first round stage.

His first came from the penalty spot with 11 minutes to go, slotting coolly down the middle after Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu had been fouled by Mario Vrancic, as Jones said: “I haven't seen it, I don't watch the pens, but he scored so I'm pleased.

"We trust him, I'm delighted he scored.

“For him to get a hat-trick in the first game of the season is fantastic as he's someone we think a lot of.”

Town were then pegged back just two minutes later through Kieran Dowell’s leveller, but Luton didn’t let their heads drop, as within 60 seconds, Collins volleyed home via a slight deflection once second half substitute Jordan Clark’s cross was teed up to him by Mpanzu.

Jones continued: “It wasn't an ideal time to concede, but it was definitely an ideal time to retake the lead.

“It's a good ball in, Pelly's done well again, and it's something we’ve been working on, Collo does what he does best in the box and a great finish.”

Town’s leading scorer from last term was at it again in stoppage time, with the same three players involved once more, Mpanzu dinking over the top for the unselfish Clark to race clean through and pick out Collins for a tap-in.

Jones added: “I’m delighted, I thought all three goals had a real element about them, certain things that we've done and that's the pleasing thing, the choice of crosses from Jordan Clark on a number of occasions.

“If I’m honest, that’s something that we've lacked in the three or four years I’ve been here, is that real Man City type pass as I think we've got in so many opportunities today.

“We got in and around their box so many times, it’s just that little bit of coollness and calmness and I thought we added that.

“We picked the right pass. It would have been easy to flash the shot wide, or even score, but that was the perfect way to finish in terms of our counter attack.

“A great ball from Pelly, great run, great touch and great little ball in the end and then Collo finishes, so very, very pleasing.”