West Brom vs Luton: Jack Stacey keen to show why West Brom were interested
Jack Stacey could have been lining up in blue and white stripes tonight, had the summer gone slightly differently.
Albion were interested in Luton Town’s young right-back before pulling out of a deal and turning their attention elsewhere.
Because of that hanging over his head, Hatters boss Nathan Jones left Stacey out of his team until Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
But the 22-year-old, who could line up for Luton at The Hawthorns tonight, insists the speculation didn’t turn his head.
“For me, I was always focused on playing for Luton,” said Stacey. “The deal was happening above my head, it was between the two clubs.
“It was nice to hear the interest, but I’m fully focused on playing for Luton Town.
“I hope I can go forward with the club, I think there was interest in a lot of our players because of how well we did last season, so it’s just natural. But my focus is on Luton.”
Baggies boss Darren Moore is still keen to sign a right-back on loan before the end of the month, and is hoping to get a new face in before the weekend’s match with Queens Park Rangers.
Stacey has competition for his place from James Justin, who impressed on opening day against Portsmouth.
But if he does play, Albion fans will be keenly watching him tonight, wondering if he should be on the other team.
Stacey caught the eye last season when Luton Town won promotion from League Two after finishing runners-up to Accrington Stanley.
They have been dealt a tough start to life in League One with games against two of the pre-season title-favourites.
After an opening day defeat away at Portsmouth, they picked up a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Saturday.
“It’s nice to come up a division,” added Stacey. “Obviously we played Portsmouth last week and Sunderland this week who are two big teams, and I think we more than matched them.”
Luton will be without dangerman and last season’s top scorer Danny Hylton, who misses the game with a thigh injury.
But Jones does not usually ring the changes for Cup games and has promised to name a strong side.
“We’ll go there with a strong squad as we feel that is needed,” said Jones. “We can’t go there and make 11 changes as they are a fantastic football club and we’ll treat the tie with the respect it deserves.
However, Glen Rea could replace Alan McCormack at the base of midfield and Sonny Bradley might come into the backline after being signed from Plymouth over summer.
Former Birmingham City man Andrew Shinnie could start at the tip of a midfield diamond. Long-term absentee Luke Berry will be unavailable.
Danger man:
James Collins: With star-man Danny Hylton injured, Luton will be looking to Collins to fire in the goals.
An expert at getting promoted out of League Two, he scored 20 goals for The Hatters last season.
Born in Coventry, he started his career at Villa and has also spent three seasons at Shrewsbury Town across two spells.
