Morgan-Smith relishing his striking chance

The 22-year-old was last on target over five months ago when he netted a hat-trick against St Albans City on October 23.

He said: “It was a good feeling to get back playing and giving it all for the team and for Luton.

“It was an extra bonus to score, the ball got cut back and I just held my run. My first touch wasn’t the best but I managed to stick it away nicely.

“I’ve been practising in training, working on my left and right foot finishing and it paid off.”

Morgan-Smith, who signed in September as a striker, was making his first start up front for the Hatters on his 22nd appearance for the club.

He continued: “I’m used to playing up front, it’s nothing new to me, so I’m really chuffed to get the nod and get a goal.

“I enjoy playing up there, it gives me the freedom to roam and try and produce and try and score goals.

“When I first joined, I was thrilled to be playing, putting the shirt on.

“I wasn’t really too bothered (where I played), as long as I got minutes on the pitch, I just wanted to do my best.

“Playing on the left, there wasn’t too much worry about goals. You have to get the ball in the box and produce chances for attackers.

“Playing up front, I’ve tried to work my socks off, hold the ball up and got a goal. I’m not going to be the one to moan, we’ve got a lot of good players, a lot of good strikers, so if selected, I’ll try my best.”

Morgan-Smith was paired alongside Jason Walker for 69 minutes and manager Gary Brabin was pleased with his impact.

He said: “I spoke to Amari when he first came to the club, he was a breath of fresh air.

“He lost his form for whatever reason, just hasn’t been at it. I spoke to Amari a few times, told him to keep his head up and he was in my thoughts.

“His chance arose and the injury to Danny Crow rushed the process.

“I thought he was brilliant and he’s done himself no harm whatsoever.”

Morgan-Smith agreed with his manager’s verdict, but now has his sights set on another start against Southport this Saturday.

He added: “The gaffer said to me, he doesn’t think I’ve been at my best in the last few weeks, so just work hard in training and I worked hard in last week’s training.

“He said he’ll put me in and see what I can produce.

“He’s (Walker) good, sharp and bubbly, wins his fair share of headers for a small guy. We’ve got a lot of good players who can play in loads of different positions.

“Hopefully if selected, I’ll give my best and get another goal.”