Rea thrilled to hear Sheehan's praise in Luton News

A number of Luton’s players had spoken to the News/Gazette about their hopes that Rea would sign on the dotted line after his excellent loan spell at Kenilworth Road last term.

Those glowing words of praise weren’t lost on the Irish U21 international either as he agreed a two year deal recently.

Speaking to the News/Gazette, Rea said: “I’ve seen a few things in the paper, (Alan) Sheehan saying he wants me to come here and for a player like him to say that, the ability he’s got, to praise me like he has, was lovely to hear.

“Jack (Marriott) and Zane (Banton) as well. The players here are unreal, so that was a factor in me coming back as well.

“I really enjoyed the group, and it’s nice for me to hear those comments in the paper from those people.”

The fact that Sheehan has also returned to Luton after his loan spell was a huge boost to Rea too.

He said: “It’s brilliant he’s back, the presence he has around the place, he’s a real good character, a good player.

“We were both on loan and he took me under his wing a little bit, then we built a partnership on the pitch as well.”