Morrell still has a big part to play for Luton despite a lack of game time since arriving from Robins

Town boss knows midfielder will be surprised not to have featured much so far
Luton midfielder Joe MorrellLuton midfielder Joe Morrell
Luton midfielder Joe Morrell

Hatters midfielder Joe Morrell still has a big part to play this season according to boss Nathan Jones.

The 23-year-old arrived from Bristol City in October with Town paying an undisclosed fee to secure the services of the Welsh international.

After coming off the bench against Stoke City and Milllwall, Morrell then started the 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, before being back on the bench against Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.

He was restored to the side for the 1-0 win at Rotherham United earlier this month, although was replaced at half time by Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and is yet to feature since, not making the squad against either Huddersfield Town or Blackburn Rovers, although was back on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

Morrell, who is the strange position of having played more minutes for his country than his club this term, was seen being put through his paces after the game in midweek, doing some extra running drills with head of sports science James Redden long after everyone else had finished up.

Jones knows his new addition might have expected to play more since arriving from Ashton Gate, but said: "We’ve got a great group here, none of them take their foot off the gas.

"We only sign good pros, good humans anyway, but it's been a little bit frustrating for Joe and Joe will be a little surprised because he came here to play, he’s a Welsh international who is doing very well for his country.

"We have real competition here, sometimes some people have to be patient but we care about Joe, we see Joe as a real big part of what we want to do and he just has to be one, patient, but two, ready.

"He’s going to be determined I know that, he’s a great kid.

"It’s a long season and we’re only 12 games in.

"There is a lot of football to be played, he’s determined, he’s at it, but so is everyone because that is what the environment is.”