Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere has praised club captain Kal Naismith's professional reaction to being dropped from the starting lineup. The 34-year-old defender made two costly errors in the opening day defeat to Reading and was subsequently left out for the 2-0 win over Stockport County.
Wilshere's comments come with Luton sitting 7th in the League One table, having taken 8 points from their first five matches. Their next challenge is an away trip to face 15th-placed Stevenage on 10 September 2026. The Hatters have scored 11 goals this season but have conceded the same number, leaving them with a zero goal difference.
Jack Wilshere was clear about Naismith's response to the setback. "He’s responded really well," the manager said. "Kal will also know that, he’s got high standards of himself, he holds himself accountable a lot." Naismith has since returned to the starting eleven for games against Notts County and Mansfield, though the team trailed 3-0 at half-time in the latter match before a Nathan Moriah-Welsh brace.
The manager emphasised that Naismith's value extends far beyond the pitch. "The reason why he is club captain is because he is exceptional," Wilshere stated. "I’m in constant conversations with Kal, Kal knows what I think of him and how important he is to the group."
Wilshere pointed out that leadership within the squad comes in different forms, which is vital as Luton aim to close the four-point gap to league leaders Sheffield Wednesday. Striker Nahki Wells was handed the captain's armband during a recent week, offering a more vocal presence. Midfielder Liam Walsh led the side during the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea.
New signing George Johnston, who helped Bolton Wanderers to promotion via the play-offs last term, is still learning about the club. Meanwhile, Hakeem Odoffin was described by Wilshere as "one of the best leaders" who actively drives standards in the dressing room. This collective responsibility helps maintain a competitive environment as the team prepares for its upcoming fixtures.
Wilshere confirmed that Naismith's temporary absence from the team does not diminish his status. "Kal drives training and the environment," he said, underlining the skipper's ongoing influence. The manager added that Naismith's leadership qualities remain needed by the group and assured that "he will be back in the team at some point." This internal competition for places is a key part of building a squad capable of sustaining a promotion push, with current form showing two wins, two draws, and one loss.
For now, the focus shifts immediately to the next match. Luton Town travel to face Stevenage this Thursday, looking to build on their current league standing of 7th. Fans can track the team's progress and all the latest player information on the official squad page.
