Town chief wants Pereira to continue his development after making a Hatters debut at QPR

Luton boss Nathan Jones has challenged debutant Dion Pereira to continue the development he has shown at Kenilworth Road next season.

The 22-year-old joined Town back in November, signing up for the development squad along with TQ Addy and Jack Chambers.

However, some excellent form in the U21s, scoring a host of goals, has seen Pereira, who has played twice in the Premier League for Watford and also in the Major Soccer League for Atlanta United, on the bench in recent games

He was finally given his opportunity with four minutes to go at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday during Luton’s last Championship game of the season against QPR.

Pereira showed some nice touches while on the field in a brief cameo, almost playing a part in a late leveller until Albert Adomah scored in stoppage time to seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.

Speaking afterwards, Jones said: “He’s earned his chance to come on and to play and to do something and I thought he had one little opportunity to get in the game but that shows the opportunity he has.

"Now, it would be wrong to say he’s going to be this or going to be that, he’s got a long way to go.

"He has to develop, he has to get better, but he’s had a good start to his Luton career.

"He’s earned his opportunity, we’re happy with him, he trains well, he’s part of the squad now.

"It’s a good day for him and we’re giving another debut since I first took charge, so it shows that we have a belief in young players."