On-loan Albion defender happy with midfield role at Luton

The 21-year-old who had joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion just two days before the match, is a centre half by trade, but was utilised in a more advanced role than had been expected due to the injury to Olly Lee.

On his position in the side, Rea said: “I’ve done it before, in my time at Southend, I was in the same sort of role. I’ve played that position, also played centre half, so I’m just happy to be on the pitch.”

Boss Nathan Jones was more than happy with his first action in a Hatters shirt too, saying: “He played the sitter first of all and then went into the two, but was excellent, nothing I didn’t expect from him because I know him.

“He’s been patient at Brighton, went out on loan at Southend and did well, and we’re delighted to have him as he’s improved our squad and for me he typifies what we have here, that real desire to do well, that real work ethic.

“And he’s a man, he’s a young boy but he’s a man and I love the kid, I’m so glad he’s with us.”

Playing further upfield, Rea, who is out of today’s trip to Barnet due to international duty with the Ireland U21s, came inches away from a debut goal, but after keeper Luke McCormick dropped the ball, he could only turn and fire wide of the gaping net.

He continued: “The less said about that the better! It’s come to me, I’ve swivelled and my eyes lit up a bit.

“If that goes in, we’re a bit more comfortable, because it didn’t go in, we had to defend, but I felt we did really well.”

Meanwhile, team-mate Jack Marriott was left mightily enthused by his first impression of Town’s latest signing, adding: “He’s done very, very well, he’s a very good footballer.

“You can see the side of him where he grafts, puts in his tackles, wins his headers, he’s a good addition to the team.”