Wilshere had no hesitation in recalling 'key' Luton midfielder against Vale

Hatters boss Jack Wilshere had no hesitation in recalling ‘key’ midfielder Liam Walsh to his starting line-up when the opportunity arose ahead of the 1-1 draw at Port Vale on Saturday.

The 28-year-old had been out of action since the 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town on January 27, missing due to an illness and also a shoulder problem, as he was sidelined for the next five third tier games. Having recovered, the ex-Everton youngster was straight back in from the first whistle when Town headed to Vale Park at the weekend though, taking over one of the deep-lying midfield roles, partnering George Saville in the centre of the park, with Hull City loanee Kasey Palmer left on the bench once more.

He had an influential role during the first half, recycling possession well to his team-mates and allowing Luton to get on the front foot as they produced a much-improved attacking display early on, scoring through Nahki Wells after just five minutes. However, once Vale levelled, Town’s final third output dropped quite considerably, but Walsh himself still impressed, finishing with an 82 percent passing success rate before he was replaced by Davy van den Berg with 20 minutes to go.

On his decision to put the former England youth international back in, Wilshere admitted he didn’t think twice, saying: “Yes, again, a key member for me of this team. That position, which we spoke about Sav (George Saville) last week and how he came in and has been really good there, but it’s a really important position. Kasey played there as well, but Walshy, in my opinion, has done it really well this season and those games we speak about the Lincoln’s, the Stevenage games.

“He was really important in being the guy that connects the back-line to midfield, he’s got the ability to play in behind as well so it was an easy decision to bring him back in from the start, but at the same time we have to look after him now as well, as not necessarily for his shoulder, when he came back he didn’t train much before the game on Saturday, so his shoulder is fine, but we have to look after him globally I would say.”