Hatters get Mengi boost

Our former Academy skipper has been excellent all season for the Hatters but was an unused substitute last time out, against Sheffield United, and considered a doubt for his reunion with Reds this weekend, as he has been nursing an ankle injury.

However, Town manager Rob Edwards has revealed in his pre-match press conference that the centre-back is fine to start in the 16:30 GMT kick-off, with fellow ex-Red Tahith Chong also in the frame to appear at Kenilworth Road.

“Teden’s fully fit and available,” said Edwards. “He’s been brilliant for us this year. For a younger player to step up, come away from home, out of his comfort zone, and perform at the highest level, as he has, is astounding.

"I’m not surprised with anything he does, but perhaps I was surprised by how quickly he adapted to his surroundings and his team-mates. Hopefully, he’ll continue that. He has a high ceiling and I know he will be desperate to play this weekend."

Chong also started on the bench for the shock defeat to the Blades last weekend, but will be out to do well against his old club.

"He's certainly pushing for a start," admitted Edwards. "He's shown many strengths in many areas and he's somebody who trains full throttle every single day."

Marvelous Nakamba is ruled out with a knee problem, with Mads Andersen and Tom Lockyer also sidelined.

Daiki Hashioka has not been rushed into Premier League action, after signing last month from Sint-Truiden in Belgium. The Japan full-back could be a contender to be in the squad at the weekend or in one of the upcoming games for Town, against Liverpool in midweek or at home to Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup on 27 February.