Hatters chief impressed by the level of performance from new signing Naismith after his early introduction at Bournemouth

Luton boss Nathan Jones was left hugely impressed by the display of new signing Kal Naismith after he was thrust into action far earlier than anticipated than expected on Saturday.

The former Rangers and Portsmouth utility player had only joined the Hatters on Friday following his exit from Wigan Athletic just over a week ago, having his contract terminated by mutual consent.

Although he hadn't played since the 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury on Boxing Day, a nasty head injury to Tom Lockyer meant Naismith came on as part of a five-man defence.

He moved to the left back slot and showed all his years of experience to turn in a solid display, helping Luton to a clean sheet against the division's leading scorers on home soil.

Speaking afterwards, Jones said: “It was unbelievable as his last game was on the 26th of December, he’s trained three times after and not trained for three and a half weeks with a football.

“We brought him in yesterday (Friday), he trained one day, we put him on as we thought maybe we’ll indeed him, but we needed him early.

“For us, we think it’s a great signing, the versatility he brings, the experience he brings and I’ve tried to sign him before.

“He’s done so well at a number of levels, he epitomises what we do, gives us good size, versatility, a great lad, good athlete, for us, it's a very, very good signing.

"Not the most exciting and I don't mean to be disrespectful in that, everyone wants to see a young 23-year-old striker that's going to light it up and make you 10 million.

"But to compete at this level and for our younger ones to really develop, we need that level of strength, and he brings that.”

Naismith wasn’t completely unknown to the Town squad, having played with Matty Pearson during a spell together at Accrington Stanley earlier in his career.

Skipper Sonny Bradley knew that he would put in a high standard of performance too, adding: "I know of Kal, I’ve played against him, I spoke to Matty, Matty’s played with him and I know he’s a good lad.

"Just from talking to people, I know he’s got a great work ethic and he can play in multiple positions.

"When he came on I had no doubt he was going to perform well and he did, so I think it's a good, solid debut.

"He's come on at left wing back and helped us keep a clean sheet, so I think we’re pretty lucky to have him at the club.

"I don’t think he’s played for three weeks, so it's testament to him for stepping in and doing what he did.

"I think the gaffer over the next couple of weeks will try to get him up to speed with what we do, but first impressions he’s been first class.”