Luton boss reveals 'temptation' to start LuaLua against Blackburn

Hatters chief Nathan Jones admitted there is a real temptation to throw attacker Kazenga LuaLua in for his first start since the Championship resumed against Blackburn Rovers this evening.

The 29-year-old had a superb impact from the bench during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Hull City, netting the winner with five minutes to go.

Asked whether that would earn him a place from the opening whistle tonight, Jones said: “It’s what’s the right thing to do? Do we start him? Do we bring him off the bench? All of those conundrums we’ve got.

“Do we go after Blackburn? Do we do this, do we do that?

"What we’ve got to do is make sure everyone’s ready, so we’ve one, got a real strong squad to begin with and two, we’ve got game-changers that can change the game.

“So yes, there is a real temptation to play Kazenga because of what he gives you.

“If he can recreate that 20 minute spell over 90 minutes then fantastic, but we have to think about that and make that decision.”

It's not just LuaLua that is looking for a recall to the starting 11, but the likes of Danny Hylton and George Moncur, who have both made impressive cameos in recent matches.

Jones continued: "They’re not now pushing, they’ve always been pushing, we’ve always had that competition.

"It’s what we feel we need for a certain game, we like game changers, we like impact from the bench, we believe we’ve got a real good bench and it’s a hungry bench, that’s the key.

"As if it’s not motivated, it's no good to anyone, no matter what talent is on the bench.

"In previous times I've worked with players who have no interest in being a sub and I understand the mentality.

"But we've got people here who don't want to be sub, but given the opportunity, they want to come on and impact.

"They've shown that as in pretty much every game, they've had an impact.

“We’ve had goals from the bench, Callum McManaman, Harry Cornick and Kazenga have got us five points.

"That's a big impetus to come off the bench and do that, so that’s been good."

Town have no new fresh injury worries for the clash, with Dan Potts and Matty Pearson both remaining doubtful, although Martin Cranie should be fine despite coming off against Hull after suffering a head injury, with Peter Kioso on for his debut in stoppage time.

Jones added: “We’re in a decent place in terms of injuries, a few are ahead of where they were for Saturday, so it gives another option or two.

“He (Cranie) probably didn't have to come off, but he had blood on his shirt.

"He was fine, we made an executive decision if you like and brought Peter Kioso on, which was nice, as that was his debut in the first team and I think his league debut.

"To make your league debut in a win away at Hull City, in the Championship, that’s good."