Edwards on Bournemouth bond, Lockyer and Barkley for England
- Published
Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton Town's replayed Premier League game at Bournemouth on Wednesday.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the original fixture at Vitality Stadium in December: "He is coming down with us, which will be great. I know he has got bigger things on his mind than football at the moment, with a new baby, so he is in a position where that is his main focus."
He added: "Going forward, we would love to have him here on a weekly, or even daily, basis to be in and around the players. He can help us with his experience."
On the bond between the clubs: "The Bournemouth Supporters' Trust has been raising money for our supporters, to help pay for their travel, because they have had to make the journey twice. I think that shows a lot of class."
Money has also been raised for the British Heart Foundation and Edwards said "off the back of what was a harrowing experience for everybody, a lot of good has come out of it".er Saturday's draw with Crystal Palace Teden Mengi should be OK but Gabriel Osho is unavailable.
Ross Barkley suffered a broken nose but he is "alright." Amari'i Bell, Sambi Lokonga and Elijah Adebayo remain out.
On Barkley potentially returning to the England squad: "That's not my call. All I am interested in is how he performs for Luton Town Football Club."
Edwards wants Luton "to start games how we finish", adding: "We don't want to be safe, and we've done that for the majority of the season."
