Naismith labels Wembley match-winner Wells as an inspiration to Luton's squad

Town skipper Kal Naismith believes that striker Nahki Wells’ desire to get himself fit enough to feature in Luton’s Vertu Trophy final victory over Stockport County recently can be a huge motivation for the rest of the Hatters squad.

Ahead of the clash at Wembley Stadium just over a week ago, the 35-year-old forward had gone off in the early stages of the 3-0 success over AFC Wimbledon on Easter Monday, suffering a groin problem that put him in serious doubt of turning out against County. However, Wells was able to recover in time and not just take his place in the squad, but in the starting line-up, putting Town 2-1 ahead just before half time.

It was the attacker who then sealed the win late on, netting from Shayden Morris’ cross in the first minute of stoppage time, but the fact that the Bermuda international was able to secure a third triumph in the capital having won there for Bradford City and Huddersfield previously, left Naismith elated, as speaking about his remarkable efforts to get fit, he said: “Nahki was struggling before the game.

"He came off against Wimbledon, he didn't train at all, he's 35 years old, I know what he did that week in terms of trying to get himself right for the game, to just make the game and even play any small part. He's an absolute credit to himself, we're lucky to have him here at this club, for the young players to learn from and for him to have that moment, I could not be happier for him.”

Seeing Wells, who he was team-mates with at Bristol City earlier in his career, named man of the match on the afternoon, then Naismith couldn’t have been happier, as he continued: “It was fitting. It’s a team game and that's everybody’s moment, that's the fans moment, even medical staff members moment, every player, but for him, just extra, extra happy. What he’s been through, he's been through a rollercoaster of emotions and you'll never see a guy that lives his life better and tries harder for this club.

"Nahki's had an incredible career and when he goes through tough moments, he just inspires me really. He's helped me so much in tough moments I’ve had this season in terms of just work a bit harder and keep your head right, keep going. He’s a motivation for everyone and for him to get that moment, I thought, wow, you deserve that. Honestly he's an amazing person, but how he gives himself for this club and his profession, that was incredible for him.”

Wells’ first goal had come after Town pressed well, leading to Naismith himself winning the ball back in opposition territory. Once he gained possession, the defender set off and curved his pass away from a defender that saw Wells bring it down on his left foot, spin and send Stockport keeper Corey Addai the wrong way to make it 2-1.

Although he gained an assist, the captain felt it was far more down to his team-mates’ ability than his delivery, saying: “There's no pictures on the scorecard right, it just says assist, so Nahki's done incredible to get me an assist at Wembley. I'll take it. I tried to go for the little soft bendy one that goes on the other side of the defender, but as I've seen my body position was wrong, I thought I’ve got to hit it a lot harder.

"I made a decision just to go for it anyway. It was a bit forced, but Nahki does the rest and that's Nahki's goal. It was a bit of stitch-up ball and Nahki was incredible, wow. If you know the game, you know how incredible a goal that was, not only to bring it down and take a touch, but his balance, his coordination, his footwork, to then spin and then turn on it, slow down his steps to then get the finish, it’s frightening, but it doesn’t surprise me.”

Despite being down the other end of the field, goalkeeper James Shea was in awe of the finish as well, stating: “He thoroughly deserved his goal as he's been brilliant. It was an unbelievable goal, an unbelievable touch, it was Dennis Bergkamp-esque. It just shows what the group is all about. He's come off at Wimbledon thinking he's in trouble, but he’s managed to get himself right for the game and he put in an unbelievable shift.”

Since boss Jack Wilshere took over in October, he has more often than not used Wells as his main striker, and discussing the forward, who us one away from reaching double figures, the manager added: “He’s a great example and I’ve said that a lot this season, the way he looks after himself, the way he lives, the way he makes sure. Even in the week building up to the final, he wasn’t training, but you have no doubt that if he is fit and feels that he’s ready to play, he’ll be able to last, because of the way he looks after himself.

"I know he works in the gym when he’s not training and he’s an example even to me. He’s older than me, older players inspire me as they care so much and they love this game. We share a similar love, but my body stopped me and I have a different pathway now, but they’re still going and that is through a love of the game that they’re driven, they’re dedicated and we really need players like that.”