Morrell back from heel injury as Hatters boss wants Wales international to be a 'real success' at Luton

Town chief Nathan Jones wants Joe Morrell to be a 'real success' at Kenilworth Road, with the midfielder hoping to be available for Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers at the weekend following a heel injury.

The 24-year-old has begun just three Championship games since his move from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee in October, but was back in the starting line-up for the 1-0 FA Cup third round win over Reading earlier this month..

However, Morrell has only made the match-day squad for one of Town's last four games, with Jones revealing his absence was down to injury and not a selection issue.

He said: "We've got Joe Morrell coming back, as he has had an injection in his heel which made him miss a bit of game time.

"Its been unfortunate for Joe as just when he comes close to getting a run, he picks up some little thing which we have to pull him out.

"So it's been a frustrating time for him, but apart from him, Martin Cranie is back in training, so we’re in a decent place."

When asked if the Wales international would have been disappointed due to his move south not working out as expected so far, Jones added: "I wouldn't say it hasn't worked out for him, he's come into a very good side, so it would be disrespectful to the others that are here, to say that he is frustrated as he should be this, he should be that.

"There are six midfielders now that are competing at a high level in training.

"Joe has had opportunities and has been good when he has taken those opportunities .

"We want Joe to be a real success here, but it's not just about Joe Morrell, it’s about everyone else.

"We have people who are doing really well and there’s only three midfield berths for example, so there's real competition.

"Joe has to make sure that he's fit for long periods of time, he's better than those in training and then when he gets opportunities, he takes them and that's the same for everyone else."