Luton must 'fight for everything' - Lawless

Alex Lawless made more than 150 appearances for Luton in his playing career

Luton Town interim manager Alex Lawless says the stuttering League One club must "fight for everything" as they try to improve their fortunes on the pitch.

Lawless was in charge for Tuesday's Vertu Cup defeat by League Two side Cambridge United a day after the club sacked head coach Matt Bloomfield.

He named a strong side for the Trophy tie, with five players who started last Saturday's league defeat by Stevenage, in a bid to claim a morale-boosting win.

Lawless said picking a competitive team was the "obvious" thing to do but saw the U's run out 3-1 winners despite Mads Andersen giving the visitors an early lead.

The defeat was Luton's fourth in their past six games in all competitions and has led to Lawless making sure the squad are clear on how to change things.

"We've had some honest conversations with the lads," the former Hatters player told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"You got to fight. You've got to fight for everything. Fight against negativity that's going to come your way.

"Deserved or not, it doesn't matter, you've got to fend it off."

The Welshman added: "It's a team sport and, at the end of the day, you've got to do it individually but you've got to come together and that's the most important thing.

"That's the critical part of this, that everyone stays as a group and works hard to fight for the better moments."

With the process of finding Bloomfield's successor under way, Lawless, who has stepped up from his coaching role with the club's under-21 side, says he does not want speculation over his future and whether he wants the job to distract things.

"It's not about me," he said.

"Everyone knows my feelings and commitment to the club. I've very proud to try to help out but it's not about me, it's about trying to help.

"I don't want any of that type of stuff to come in the way of that because I will continue to help until told otherwise."

Luton are next in action after the international break at home against Mansfield Town on Saturday, 18 October.