Luton Town

Luton Town forward Jacob Brown is relieved to have finally made his comeback following ankle surgery.

The Scotland international was sent on as a 78th-minute substitute in Luton's goalless draw with Rotherham United on Saturday.

It was his first appearance since he was injured in a game against Middlesbrough in March and a boost to boss Jack Wilshere as the Hatters look to try to push on into the top six in League One.

They are eighth in the table and Brown told BBC Three Counties Radio: "With my previous injury and this one, it's been a difficult 18 months, really.

"When I stepped on the pitch, I felt quite emotional because I've worked very hard to get back to where I am now. It was a special feeling.

"Obviously, coming on at 0-0 as a striker, you think you can come on and score the winner. I had a couple of chances - maybe in a couple of weeks when I'm a bit sharper, I could get a goal there.

"When you're out for so long, you can't help (the team) and that's one of the hardest things. It's part of the game, I've been unfortunate but it's made me who I am today and I wouldn't change that."

Luton are away to Barnsley, one of Brown's former clubs, on Saturday.

Luton Town midfielder Jordan Clark is "optimistic for the future" under Jack Wilshere despite a home defeat by Mansfield in the new manager's first game in charge.

The former Arsenal, West Ham, Bournemouth and England player has the task of turning The Hatters' fortunes around following relegation in the last two seasons.

"He's brought a really good feel. He's just got that aura," Clark told BBC Three Counties Radio

"He's raised everyone's level a bit more, the intensity in training has been really high and for the first 25-30 minutes of the first half, you could see the little things he's worked on, just trying to get everyone to simplify the game a little bit.

"It's going to take time, you can't click your fingers and expect to go out there and win four or five nil.

"The gaffer can tap into his playing experiences and when he says things, you think if he can do it at his level, there's no reason not to do it at this level.

"And he's got Powelly [assistant boss Chris Powell], who's been here there and everywhere and got so much experience. When he speaks, you listen."

Luton had the chance to take the lead against Mansfield when Nahki Wells had a penalty saved and eventually went down 2-0.

"I've been at this club a few years now and when we've got on top we've always scored. At any level that's so important, but especially in the lower leagues because teams can sit back and put 10 or 11 bodies behind the ball," Clark added.

Wilshere has a full week of training to prepare for Luton's next game, away to Northampton Town on Saturday.