Luton Town

Image source, Shutterstock

Luton Town striker Jerry Yates believes "massive competition" in the squad will help them push on positively in the weeks ahead.

The Hatters bounced back from a 5-0 defeat at Barnsley - described by Yates as a "minor blip" - with a 2-1 win over Huddersfield on Tuesday in which the former Swansea striker scored the winning goal.

It was his first in League One since mid-September and the three points put Luton seventh in the table.

"We were humbled by it [losing at Barnsley], so we needed to dig deep and work hard," Yates told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"I had a concussion which set me back a couple of games when I felt I was getting into my rhythm, but it's part and parcel of the season, it's a rollercoaster - you're going to have ups and downs.

"I've got to go out there and help the lads as much as possible even if it's just occupying the two centre-halves.

"The competition within the group is massive, people pushing each other every single day in every single position, it's healthy competition."

Luton are at home to sixth-placed Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and will move above them if they win.

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.