Jones insists Hatters midfielder Rea needs to 'do more' in the Championship

Ex-Brighton player hasn't complained over his lack of game-time recently
Town midfielder Glen ReaTown midfielder Glen Rea
Town midfielder Glen Rea

Luton boss Nathan Jones feels that midfielder Glen Rea needs to ‘step up’ to become a real hit at Championship level.

The 26-year-old has made 39 league appearances for the club this season, with 32 starts, while after being on the bench for five matches recently, was back in against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

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Rea scored a third goal of the campaign, nodding in from close range once Kal Naismith’s header was saved and went on to produce a fine display in the holding role, keeping his place for the 0-0 draw with Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

Jones said of his efforts afterwards: “We bring him back in, and if Glen realises what a good player he can be, then that’s it.

“The Championship is another level and he has to step up, he has to step on, his mobility has to go up, his thinking has to go up, his concentration, everything has to go up in the Championship.

“He’s done so well for us, but at times I want him to be better, I want him to do more.

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“He’s been an excellent player for us and in that role he’s the one that gives us that discipline in the middle of the park.

"We don’t often concede too many goals when Glen Rea plays in that position.”

Despite being out of the team recently, Rea himself wasn’t about to start complaining to his manager about a lack of game-time, saying: “No, the team has done very well, what can I say?

“If the team are doing well I can’t really say much and that’s the thing about this squad and it’s been the same since I’ve been here.

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“You come out, the person that comes in for you is doing the same job as you, that’s why we’ve got such a good squad and I think that’s why we can improve every year.

“I love playing and when I don’t play I’m pretty annoyed, but that’s the beauty of it.

“We’re footballers at the end of the day, we all want to play games and every time I go out there I’ll try my best and try to put on a performance.

“If people say that’s good then good, if people say that’s bad, it’s bad.

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"Football is down to opinions and I’ll just give my best every time I put the shirt on.”

The former Brighton youngster has been used in both midfield and the centre of defence over the course of the campaign and on where he feels most comfortable, plus his thoughts on the season personally, Rea added: "I feel like I’m a centre mid, but if I’m needed to play centre half, if I’m needed to play anywhere on the pitch, I will.

"I just feel like as a club we’ve improved and that must mean we’re all doing all right as players as well, all the staff and everyone around the club, so it’s all good."