'We deserve to be in the league' - Barkley enjoying life at Luton

Ross Barkley says it was a "surprise" to move back to the Premier League with Luton in the summer but that "the whole experience has been brilliant".

The 30-year-old - who rose to prominence at Everton and has had spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa - endured a disappointing season in Ligue 1 with Nice but is relishing playing regular football back in the Premier League.

"It was a surprise because we kept it under wraps, coming back to England, coming back to the Premier League," Barkley told BBC Look East. "I feel like I'm back at Everton. The stadium is very close, the fans are on top of you and it's a family club.

"Luton are a team that's hungry to stay in the Premier League. They've showed the fight and they deserve to be in the Premier League. It was an easy decision.

"'I've found my feet, I'm really comfortable with the team, the manager and the fans have been great and now I'm finding my rhythm."

Barkley has quickly become a key part of Rob Edwards' midfield and the Hatters boss believes the former England man allows his side to "play in a different way".

"He has a calmness on the ball," he said. "He'll take the ball under pressure, in transition and allow us to get up the pitch.

"He's enjoying his football because he feels loved and wanted. We are really pleased. He's made us a different team."