Pigott not affected by criticism from Luton fans

Striker Joe Pigott admitted it hadn't been too difficult not to let any criticism received from Hatters supporters affect him ahead of showing exactly what he could do against Oxford United this weekend.
Joe Piggott celebrates his match-winner against OxfordJoe Piggott celebrates his match-winner against Oxford
Joe Piggott celebrates his match-winner against Oxford

The on-loan Charlton Athletic forward had taken some stick from the home crowd during the 1-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday evening, but responded in style with a two goal brace at the U’s.

When asked about the reaction from a small minority of fans, Pigott said: “I don’t mind it really, I can take my fair share of stick, but I’m an honest guy, I know what I can do.

“I just need time really, that’s all. The gaffer believes in me which is why he brought me here and I was a bit low on confidence, I wasn’t really taking my chances.

Joe Pigott tucks home his second on the weekendJoe Pigott tucks home his second on the weekend
Joe Pigott tucks home his second on the weekend

“I knew eventually it would come good, I just needed a bit of time and hopefully now my confidence is back then I can be back to the player I was.

“I’m still learning the game, still quite young, I’ve come here to get games and get as many goals as I can.

“The fans at this club are terrific, home and away, so it was brilliant to celebrate in front of them.”

Boss Nathan Jones had been particularly vociferous in his defence of Pigott both in his pre-match press conference and then when speaking to journalists at the Kassam Stadium after the game.

Joe Pigott tucks home his second on the weekendJoe Pigott tucks home his second on the weekend
Joe Pigott tucks home his second on the weekend

It was something that Pigott appreciated too, as he said: “He’s seen what I can do from when I was younger and I think I’m a much better player now than I was.

“I’ve scored goals wherever I’ve been, it was just coming here didn’t happen for me straight away, but I needed a little bit of time to settle in.

“I’ve been positive throughout and he’s believed in me as much as I’ve believed I can do it myself, so I’ve got to thank him really.

“We’ve got the three points, I’ve played 90 minutes and scored two goals, so hopefully I can do more in other games as well.”

Jones had spoken before about the youngster’s body language needing to improve games, describing him a bit of an ‘inbetweener’ at times and Pigott accepts it’s something to work on.

He added: “Possibly, I’m a pretty laid back, carefree kind of guy, so it’s not my demeanour to not look badly, but too laid back sometimes.

“I work hard and do my fair share, but it sometimes come across like I’m not if you understand what I mean, so it’s something I need to get a grasp of.

“I know what to expect from him (Jones) and he knows what to expect from me, although perhaps I haven’t given it to him some of the times that I’ve played since I’ve been here.”

Pigott is now with Luton until the end of the season, and when asked if he’d be interested in a permanent stay at Kenilworth Road, he added: “Yes, possibly. Obviously we’d have to see what happens at the end of the season, but who knows what could happen?

“I’ve settled in really well with all the lads, so I just want to get my performances up and hopefully boost our chances of the outcome at the end of the season.”