'Lockyer has just got better and better in Luton's defence this season'

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

We are all still waiting for further news on Tom Lockyer and everybody remains concerned, hoping for the best for the popular Hatters captain.

The huge positive has been how the football world has come together to offer their support. Rivalries, tribalism, petty squabbles are put aside as everybody understands that some things are more important than this silly, beautiful game.

This started with the conduct of Bournemouth and their fans as events unfolded last week. Luton as a club and as a supporter group will not forget that.

Because of the tremendous story of Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu going through the leagues with Luton from non-league to Premier League it can sometimes be forgotten that Lockyer has done the same thing - the only difference being it has not been entirely with Luton.

He was part of the Bristol Rovers defence which played in the National League and won promotion via the play-offs. He played against Luton in both games in the 2015-16 season in League Two and again in the 2018-19 season in League One.

From there he moved into the Championship with first Charlton and then Luton. Lockyer has earned his right to play in the Premier League.

He has got there by sheer hard work as well as talent - and his character and personality has led to him captaining the Hatters in the top flight.

This season Tom has got better and better in the middle of the defence. He was excellent against Manchester City, Liverpool and Crystal Palace recently and on Saturday had a brilliant battle with Dominic Solanke. In a fairly young defence, Lockyer’s leadership skills have stood out.

Get well soon, Tom.