Hatters wingback admits he loves getting under the skin of opposition fans

Luton wingback Alfie Doughty admits he absolutely loves nothing more than getting under the skin of opposition supporters when taking the field for the Hatters on a weekly basis.

The 24-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract to remain at Kenilworth Road this week, certainly gets plenty of chances to do as not only does he play in a role which sees him tight to the touch-line for the majority of the contest, he also runs the gauntlet, particularly away from home, when heading over to take the Hatters corners from both sides of the pitch as well.

It was no more evident than in a 3-2 victory at Sheffield United on Boxing Day last season when Doughty scored his first ever Premier League goal moments after getting it in the neck from the Blades followers behind the home side’s goal, whom he was quick to silence during his celebrations afterwards. On how he feeds off such interactions with the crowd, particularly when Town are on their travels, he told the club's official website: “I love it, it's just nice to know I get under peoples skin.

"It's a feeling that some people can react in the wrong way, but I just go, look, what's the point in getting angry and upset by them calling you lovely words? I just love it and I’m not going to stop being me I guess. You’ve got your jobs in this game and mine is just providing for the team. I've always wanted to do my bit for the team and play every single week so it is a nice feeling as this club means a lot to me now."

Doughty was utilised in a different position when Luton finally got their season up and running during Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Millwall. Deployed on the right with Reuell Walters absent with sickness, a decision that boss Rob Edwards stated would have been made even if the England U20 international was available, he was a real creative outlet for Town, constantly winning the ball back in an advanced position in what was his best and most consistent display of the season to date.

The former Charlton Athletic youngster was heavily involved in the only goal of the game too, his shot saved by Lions keeper Lukas Jensen, with the rebound eventually teed up for Teden Mengi to brilliantly sidefoot into the bottom corner from just outside the box. Discussing Doughty’s efforts at the Den, Edwards added: “Alf was great, we know he’s got both sides in his game anyway.

"We were doing that before, it wasn’t because Reu was ill, that was the plan anyway. Reu came off, but he would have been on the bench. He’s been away for a couple of weeks, but he was ill the last couple of days, so it was fine. It didn’t actually change the starting team, so he did really, really well Alf. Like I spoke about, their front four are really tight and narrow and we felt that just leans towards Amari’i (Bell) Macca (Mark McGuinness), Teden and Burkey (Reece Burke).

"Those four being able to deal with them and we thought Alfie, he showed that early in the first half especially, that he could be effective on that side, whether he goes on the outside or chops in and links or crosses. So it actually didn’t change the plan, but Reu will be alright in the next couple of days. We got him home early from the hotel today and tucked up in bed now.”