Luton Town are linked with the League of Ireland Premier Division's 'best player'

Luton Town have been linked with a move for League of Ireland Premier Division club Shelbourne’s attacking midfielder Harry Wood, who has been labelled by his manager Joey O’Brien as the ‘best player in the league’, following his run of impressive performances.

The 23-year-old began his career in the academy at Manchester United, before moving to Hull City as a 15-year-old, going on to sign a professional contract with the Tigers, making his debut when coming off the bench during the 1-0 League One defeat at Charlton Athletic in May 2021.

Wood then featured in the 1-1 Carabao Cup draw against Wigan Athletic the following campaign, playing three times in total for Hull, joining League Two side Scunthorpe United in August 2021, featuring 13 times for the club. He headed to Shelbourne for his first stint on loan in July 2023, scoring twice in 14 matches, with another temporary stint at League Two side Grimsby Town in January 2024, scoring once, that in the 5-5 draw against Nott County.

Wood opted to sign for Shelbourne permanently in July 2024 and has impressed since his switch to Tolka Park, racking up 50 appearances last term where he also scored 11 goals, as he featured in Champions League and Europa League qualifying matches, before making six Conference League appearances too, including the 3-0 defeat to eventual winners Crystal Palace.

This season, he scored in four successive matches at the start of the campaign for the Reds, and has netted nine goals in 22 matches, meaning in total, Wood has played 109 times for the club, on target 22 times, also adding 21 assists as well. With Town looking to boost their squad for the upcoming League One campaign, the Irish Sun are speculating that Jack Wilshere’s side are displaying an interest in bringing him to Kenilworth Road.

A report stated: “The Hatters were keen on Wood earlier this season. A move never materialised but they have kept tabs on the former Hull City player since. Eight goals and seven assists in 22 appearances have strengthened their interest, although it is believed no formal bid has been made by the League One club.”

Wood came off in the 3-0 defeat against Bohemians on Monday with a knee injury which is not thought to be serious, but speaking about him after the 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers earlier this month, when he registered two assists for the fifth-placed side, Shelbourne manager O’Brien was clearly a huge fan of the midfielder, as speaking to RTE Sport, he added: “For me he's the best player in the league.

"He's proven that the whole season. He just maybe hasn't got the attention because of our results and where we are in the league. But I see him every day and he's a super, super player. It's great to have him. As a fan, when you come to these games, you want to be excited by players and you want to see something that you can't do yourself.

"He's a joy to watch. And he's a great, great kid who works ever so hard. Ever since he scored that goal up in Derry (to seal the 2024 league title) and came back fitter, stronger, better. He's used that as a real springboard to kick on and, as I said, turn himself into the best player in the league."