Luton need to 'shift mentality' - Saville

George Saville has played more than 440 league games during his career

Midfielder George Saville has admitted Luton Town are stuck in a "one step forward, two steps back" scenario following defeat by Stevenage.

The Hatters are 11th in League One after relegation in the last two seasons, and have lost three of their last five matches, including Saturday's 2-0 reverse.

Northern Ireland international Saville was signed from Millwall to add experience to Matt Bloomfield's team and has started all 11 league games so far.

"It feels a bit like one step forward, two steps back at the minute," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"It's been quite negative and miserable (at the club) for the last couple of years, so it's (about) trying to shift that mentality

"It almost feels a bit like 'here we go again' so obviously we need to show some courage, pick ourselves up and get to work."

Luton are away to Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, their final game before the international break, which will see Saville away with Northern Ireland.

They return to League One action at home to Mansfield Town on 18 October.

"I enjoy going to work every day. It's disappointing losing games, but it's a great football club and a good environment," added Saville.

Asked why the team were struggling, he replied: "I'm new, coming in, and I can't put my finger on it. We're in a division that's tough.

"Stevenage are strong at what they're good at, they know what they're doing, don't do anything too fancy but they fight for 90 minutes.

"We need to work even harder and turn it on."

The defeat at Stevenage increased the pressure on manager Bloomfield, who was publicly backed by chief executive Gary Sweet following a 3-1 loss to Lincoln City last month.

There was a negative reaction from supporters at the end of Saturday's game at the Lamex Stadium.

"I understand people's frustrations. They're entitled to voice them in the way they see fit," Bloomfield said.

"I am just trying to do my job to the best of my ability. Three years I've been doing this [management] and all I've ever done is focus on the job the most I possibly can."