Doughty 'the driving force for Luton'

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

Five seasons ago, Luton Town wing-back Alfie Doughty was playing in the Isthmian League for Kingstonian on loan from Charlton. The season after that he had a spell with Bromley in the National League.

He was a teenager then but his talent was noted and soon enough he was playing in the Championship with the Addicks, then Stoke and Cardiff.

Luton had spotted his potential early on at Charlton and, after a failed attempt, they eventually landed him for last season's championship promotion-winning season. Manager at the time Nathan Jones declared he was "nowhere near his ceiling".

And the Welshman has been proved correct. Doughty has taken his first season in the Premier League by storm.

The 24-year-old has five assists which puts him alongside the likes of Leon Bailey, Jeremy Doku and Anthony Gordon. Only Kieran Trippier has delivered more crosses than Doughty and he is one of the division's most regular corner takers too.

He’s played the most minutes of any of Luton's outfield players and had the most touches. His influence in the team grows as the season progresses.

Such is his versality and the trust manager Rob Edwards has in him he has been used on the right side when Issa Kabore has not been available. He has kept Mohamed Salah and Miguel Almiron quiet recently and it has left some Luton fans wondering whether he deserves an England call-up.

There's no doubting Doughty has been the driving force behind the Hatters this season with his marauding runs down the left. Burnley right-back Vitinho will have to be prepared for their Premier League match on Friday night at Turf Moor.

Commentary of Burnley v Luton on BBC Three Counties Radio on Friday from 7pm.