Captain Kevin Nicholls looks set to start for the Hatters in their crucial League Two encounter with Bournemouth at Kenilworth Road tomorrow night.

The 29-year-old central midfielder had been struggling with a hamstring problem, but has now declared himself fit to lead Luton out for the must-win match against the Cherries.

Meanwhile, Ian Roper's twisted ankle means that centre-half George Pilkington will make his first start since the home win over Aldershot in September

Roper now looks set to be sidelined for around seven to 10 days, while Pilkington made his comeback from a broken metatarsal as a second half substitute during Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup second round defeat at Southend United.

Veteran forward Kevin Gallen, who was cup-tied at the weekend, will be back in contention. Although fellow defender Michael Spillane must sit the game out through suspension, after picking up five yellow cards.

Ahead of the vital clash, Luton boss Mick Harford says he and the players are fully aware how important it is to win, saying: "I think the Bournemouth game, along with the weekend's match against Barnet, probably represents the biggest week in the history of the club

"Both games are massive and we'll take one of them at a time. We are facing a Bournemouth team who drew 0-0 at home against Blyth Spartans and everyone thinks because of that result, we'll just turn up and win.

"That won't be the case, the players have been prepared properly and it's vitally important that we get off to a good start."

On the return of defender Pilkington, Harford added: "He was only on the field a short space of time at Southend, 35 or 40 minutes, but he did exceptionally well.

"He looked composed and fit. He's been very thorough with his rehab in the gym in the eight to 10 weeks he's been out. He's made a quick recovery and we're delighted with that, as we thought he'd be a little bit longer."