Luton sign Pieters on short-term deal

Erik Pieters made 61 appearances over a two-year spell at West Bromwich Albion

Luton Town have signed former Netherlands international Erik Pieters on a short-term deal.

The 36-year-old ex-Stoke City defender has been a free agent since leaving West Bromwich Albion in the summer.

Pieters made 206 appearances in a six-year spell with the Potters and has 18 international caps.

Nineteenth-placed Luton are without defenders Teden Mengi, Amari'i Bell, Reece Burke and Reuell Walters because of injury.

Head coach Rob Edwards described Pieters, who trained with the Hatters in the summer, as an experienced left-sided defender who could help the team.

"With one or two of the issues that we've got at the moment, we feel that that Erik will be able to help us during this period," he told the club's website.

"It may not necessarily be with game time. It could mean help with training and if he gets an opportunity then it's down to him.

"He's a good guy, very experienced and can bring balance to our defensive options during this difficult period with the injuries we currently have."

Pieters played for Utrecht and PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch league before joining Stoke in 2013.

He later made 66 appearances for Burnley and then played 61 times for the Baggies before leaving the club this year.