RONNIE GOODLASS TALKS TACTICS: Safe progress if Currie fails to hit hot streak

Jan 5 2008

KEVIN BLACKWELL has put together a good footballing side that impressed in the way they tackled Everton in the Carling Cup.

It wasn’t just a battle, but a game that saw Luton get the ball down and play their football.

Defence

Dean Brill is a highly-rated young goalkeeper. Despite playing in a relegation season, he still won young player of the year.

He will command his penalty area, is a good organiser and never stops talking to his defence. That is an area where new keepers sometimes struggle in imposing themselves when there are players with a lot more experience playing in front of them, but it does not stop Brill.

Alan Goodall has that kind of experience having played in the UEFA Cup for Bangor City and with Rochdale. The fans love him because of his effort and commitment. Likes to push forward and has scored 18 times. In the middle Chris Perry brings plenty more experience with a 14-year career spanning Wimbledon, Spurs, Charlton and West Brom. Not the tallest of defenders, but a tigerish tackler who has formed a good partnership with Jaroslaw Fojut, an equally committed tackler, however Blackwell must shuffle his pack following the end of the Polish player’s loan.

David Bell is a midfielder who has been playing at left-back and has shown plenty of versatility.

Midfield

Darren Currie is a much travelled player, with more clubs than Tiger Woods. Now at his 12th side, he has good skill and technique and Luton like to get the ball to him as soon as possible as he can deliver a great cross. He leads the way with nine goal assists for the team which underlines his importance. He won’t be fazed at the prospect of facing Liverpool and he is a player they will have to watch.

On the right Keith Keane is a player who likes to run at defenders and create chances for others while Matthew Spring is a player who is a threat given time on the ball.

He reminds me of the former Arsenal and Southampton midfielder Steve Williams, he likes to play the game at his tempo and can deliver short or long range passes. Liverpool will want to hustle him out of his stride. David Edwards was Blackwell’s first signing. The Wales Under21 international joined from Shrewsbury where his energetic style saw him play 51 games as they reached the play-offs.

He has chipped in with four goals which shows that Luton can score from all over the pitch and do not just rely on the front two.

Attack

Paul Furlong, available after suspension, would give Blackwell an experienced player up front ahead of the promise of Drew Talbot. At 39, he is still very fit and he holds the ball up well, is good in the air and is still quick enough.

His big match experience would complement Calvin Andrew. He is a tall and direct player with real pace. He made an impact when he came on against Everton and scored a fine diving header in the win over Yeovil.

Dangerman

DARREN CURRIE – a positive force who delivers quality crosses, he is also a threat at set pieces. Two-footed with the ability to line up a cross with one foot, and then switch to the other.

Overall verdict

Luton have a good home record, but whichever line-up Rafael Benitez goes for, Liverpool should have enough depth to see off the home side.

Ronnie Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON