McCourt: We're playing for our Luton futures

With the transfer window shutting on Monday, Jones has already shown he’s not afraid of making major decisions, allowing Luke Wilkinson to join Stevenage and cancelling Luke Guttridge’s contract.

So far, only Bradford City defender Alan Sheehan has been brought in, but Jones has confirmed he will be looking to move people on before further signings are made.

When asked if he and the rest of the squad were playing for their futures, McCourt said: “Of course, they were two good players (Guttridge and Wilkinson), two great lads and gave good service to Luton.

“I think the manager did say we’ve got a very big squad, maybe he wants to trim it a bit.

“If you don’t want to do what he tells you, I’m sure he’ll move you on, although I’m not saying the two lads didn’t.

“I feel he wants to go down his own route and if you want to come, you come and if you don’t, you don’t.”

McCourt himself took his chance to shine with both hands at Mansfield on Saturday, scoring his first goal for the club and then setting up Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu for the second.

The Northern Irishman is hoping it’s enough to remain in the side for Saturday’s home clash with Notts County, after the weekend was his first start since October 20.

McCourt, who played for the Magpies last season, making 12 appearances and scoring once, continued: “I would be disappointed not to play, so hopefully I can stay fit this week.

“It’s another difficult game, as there are no easy games in this division.

“They probably expected to be higher in the table than they are as well, but they’ve got a lot of quality in the team and it will be another difficult match.”