Luton fans liken on-loan midfielder to Ross Barkley as Jamaican star dubbed a 'class act'

Luton fans have hailed on-loan Hull City midfielder Kasey Palmer as a ‘class act’, believing the January transfer window signing is the closest thing they have witnessed to Ross Barkley since the former England international graced the club a few years ago.

Barkley moved to Kenilworth Road back in the summer of 2023, arriving in Bedfordshire from a spell at French club Nice when Town were in the Premier League, as he went on to feature 37 times, scoring five goals, with a number of Hatters supporters describing the ex-Everton and Chelsea player as one of, if not the best, to ever represent the club in their entire history.

With Palmer having played just four games for the Hatters since joining the club, he has got better and better with each outing, producing a starring role in their 2-1 victory over Bradford City. Although he wasn’t named as man of the match on the day, many thought he deserved the honour, and discussing his efforts on the Luton News Facebook page, although not declaring the Jamaican international is in the same league as Barkley, are beginning to mention the two in the same breath.

Burleigh Ibbott said: “Best player on the best player on the pitch. Who decides this MOM as everyone saw it was Palmer. He is too good for this league. John Morgan: “First time since Ross Barkley left we’ve had someone comfortable to receive the ball on the edge of our area, turn and drive forward.” Kevin Goddard: First couple of games I wasn't convinced at all, but moving to a deeper role he looks a different player - thought he was excellent yesterday, really composed and commanding.”

Maurice Woodcroft: “He looks a class act! He and Clicker were the powerhouse behind the front line and he's got superb close control of the ball. Several times he received the ball under pressure and with a slight feint lost his marker and was away!! Really balanced team performance yesterday. The only slight problem is that Kodua needs to come more central just behind Cole; he would then be more of a threat than being on the left. I hope this is the start of a real push into the top six. COYH!!

Tim McGarry: “He stays fit, I think we can go up.” Loz Jones: “Forming a really good partnership with Clark too.” Andrew Sarkar: “Opposition players seemed to bounce off of him. Tough to shake off the ball. I think Cole will have those same attributes too.” Geoff Jellis: “League 1 Ross Barkley. He was immense yesterday. Really good watch.” Ben Thomas: “Was man of the match by a long shot.” Jez D Buttigieg: “I said when we signed him he'd be good for our team. So many negative comments where written about him. Congratulations on a great display of football against Bradford.”

Lordabi Lucan: “Any chance we could make it permanent.” Martin Parsons: “Amazing .... three weeks ago he was another poor cheap buy .... how times change and so quickly.” Robert Olz Churm: “He looks relaxed and in control.” Andy Wheeler: “Him and Clark a great combination.” Mark Ltfc Williams: “Loving the way he plays, great form!” Curtis Faruquee: “I don't see how you fit walsh back in the team with palmer and Richards in there.” Alan Lester Dee: “Wasn't convinced when we signed him, thought he looked a touch unfit at Plymouth, but now he is giving some energy and commitment that we can get behind.

John Pyper: “In the two or so years since our Premier League season where we had one of the best midfielder to don a Luton shirt in Ross Barkley & being partnered by Lakonga on loan from Arsenal at the time. Kasey Palmer has now adding that creative flair and stability which we haven't had since then.

"He's a breath of fresh air and has allowed those in front of him i.e: Jordan Clark and Jake Richards as seen on Saturday to venture further up forward support a proper No.9 as seen in new signing Devante Cole which we haven't had since we sold Carlton Morris and lost Elijah Adebayo to injured over 9 months ago. Yes, Palmer also looks settled now and will enjoy his football knowing he's always closer to his family which live local to Luton. COYH's !!”

Meanwhile, on the Luton News X page, @Rogjw1014 stated: “By far the best player on the pitch! Was so good to watch!” @morton_alan: “Quality player and should have got MOM.” @greyfriar1224: “If we've left it too late for promotion this season we should genuinely be among favourites for next season. Maybe he'd stay on a perm contract.” @GrantTheHatter: “Could see his quality from his first appearance. Far too good for League One. ... As the Bradford fans appreciated too!”