Luton chief has 'massive, massive' hopes for fit-again on-loan Leeds United midfielder

Eunan O'Kane made his playing return against Berkhamsted yesterday

Luton boss Nathan Jones insisted he has ‘massive, massive’ hopes for on-loan Leeds United midfielder Eunan O’Kane.

The 30-year-old took to the field for the first time in almost two years yesterday, after suffering a horrific double leg break during his first loan spell at Kenilworth Road, a 1-0 victory against Bristol Rovers on September 15, 2018.

However, O'Kane, who signed an 18-month loan agreement with Town during the January transfer window, came on at half time for the Hatters’ 9-0 win over Berkhamsted and quickly set about making an impact, having a major hand in two of James Collins’ hat-trick goals.

Speaking afterwards, Jones said of the former Bournemouth and Torquay player who has won seven caps for the Republic of Ireland: “It was good for Eunan to get some minutes as it (injury) was a real shame as he's a wonderful, wonderful footballer.

“We have massive, massive hopes for him, so it's great to see him back.

"He's a little way off it in terms of the intensity levels he needs and the strength and the mobility, but it was nice to see him get minutes.

"The range of passing he has and his radar is quite frightening.

"He set Harry (Cornick) up with two great balls, and Harry then set James up, so to have that creativity is massive and I thought he was excellent.”