On-loan Stoke midfielder Ince won't play again for Luton this season after injuring ankle ligaments

Luton boss Nathan Jones has confirmed on-loan Stoke attacker Tom Ince won’t play again for the Hatters this season after suffering ankle ligament damage.

The 29-year-old moved to Kenilworth Road on transfer deadline day in February, signing a deal until the end of the campaign, with the aim of making a big impact on the pitch under his former Potters manager and reigniting a career that has seen him play in the Premier League.

However, after needing time to get fit following a period out of the side at the bet 365 Stadium, Ince could only make seven appearances in total, with just three starts, picking up the problem late on during Town’s 2-0 defeat at Derby County on Good Friday.

It means he won't pull on a Hatters shirt again, but when speaking to the press this afternoon Jones insisted his loan spell had been a fruitful one, saying: “Tom Ince won’t play again, he’s done ankle ligaments which will keep him out for a little while which is really sad as Tom’s been excellent for us.

“We knew he needed a bit of time to gather pace, but the way he’s been around the place, the way he’s integrated, he’s had a massive impact.

“I can’t under-play the impetus he’s had with players here and players have seen the quality he shows, the way he conducts himself, how he’s integrated with everyone.

“He’s been a joy to have around and I think he’s really enjoyed it.

“It’s been a real shame as he was just starting to have an impact and gather a little bit of sharpness and pace, so that’s a shame.”