Vassell desperate to take his second chance after downing tools to join Hatters

The 22-year-old penned a one year deal at Kenilworth Road recently after impressing boss Nathan Jones during his trial period.

Vassell began his career at Plymouth Argyle, making 10 appearance for the Pilgrims between 2011-2014, before being released and dropped into non-league, where he turned out for National League South side Truro City, while working part time on a building site too.

The youngster, who scored 28 goals in 94 games for the Cornwall side, has now swapped his tools for full time training once more though with the Hatters, as he said: “I’m happy to get it done, I’m buzzing, delighted.

“It’s my second chance at the pro game and hopefully I can prove some people wrong.

“I was at Plymouth for two years and didn’t get a contract there, I dropped down a few leagues and that was when it was a lot harder back then.

“Now, I’ve done well and I think I’ve earned this chance and I just want to show people what I can do.

“It’s not fun, waking up at six (o’clock) and going off to work.

“This is definitely what I want to be doing, not being on a building site and lifting bricks.”

Vassell believes it has been good for his mental strength having spent time out of the pro game though, as he now feels he appreciates the opportunity he has been given by Jones.

He continued: “Definitely, there have been some long days on site, just thinking about it all.

“It is character building and it makes you think what you really want and what you don’t really want.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to kick on now.

“I scored a few at Truro and I enjoyed it down there, but it’s not as easy as people think.

“A lot of people think that you’ll just drop out and go down the leagues and just tear it up, but it doesn’t really work like that.

“You’ve still got to work a lot for your goals and for everything really.

“If anything it’s harder because you don’t get the service or the quality of pitch either.”

Vassell would love to follow in the footsteps of the likes of ex-Hatter Andre Gray, plus England striker Jamie Vardy if possible, with the pair now plying their trade in the Premier League.

Both dropped out of the Football League, before working their way back up again as the attacker urged any players who do get released at a young age, not to give up following their dream.

He said: “For any youngsters out there who think the pro game is easy, and are in it and taking it for granted, I can tell them not to.

“As once you’re out of it, it’s a lot harder to get back in and get your shot again.

“Just don’t take it for granted, work your hardest and do what you have to do as I can tell you now, going to work every day is not as enjoyable as this.

“You’re never going to get a better job than this. Out on lovely training ground, training with a good bunch of lads, it’s not a job, it’s fun.”