Goals are the target for Cook as he hopes for a central role

The 26-year-old is a striker by trade, but scored just four times in 44 appearances last season for Walsall after being deployed in a wider role.

He has netted 14 goals in 128 appearances during his spells at Sunderland, Darlington, Walsall, Carlisle, Charlton and Yeovil, but is determined to show the Luton supporters he has a prolific streak under boss Nathan Jones.

Speaking to the News/Gazette, Cook, who played just behind the strikers during the first half of Hatters’ 9-0 win at Bedford Town on Saturday, said: “I prefer to be playing down the middle or upfront in a two, or in the hole just behind the one, or two.

“I think that’s where Nathan and Paul (Hart) like me playing as they’ve seen me playing there, so hopefully I can get more games in my position now.

“I don’t mind playing in other positions if needed, but my definite preferred position is down the middle 
in a two or in behind.”

Cook is confident that after working with Jones at Charlton along with assistant manager Paul Hart who was there too, then his hopes of a more central role will be realised.

He continued: “Paul was great for me at Charlton, the times when I wasn’t playing as I didn’t really do as much as I think I should have, I think he was on my side with that.

“He thought I should have played a lot more than what I did at Charlton, and he was always on my shoulder pushing me, telling me that I’m doing everything right, as I thought I was doing everything right in training and in games.

“I was always put on the left or right wing, and I don’t mind playing there, but it’s not really my preferred position.

“He was always the one trying to put me in the hole, so he was great for me.

“I think everyone knows or if they didn’t know have spoken to people who do know Nathan and how he trains and it’s the way most footballers want to play. High tempo, passing and moving, getting in behind and really damaging teams as soon as you can.

“That’s what I’m all about, I just want to play my position which hopefully I will and score goals for Luton now.”

There’s a number of options for Jones in that area, with the likes of Danny Hylton, Jack Marriott, Zane Banton, Josh McQuoid, and when fit again, Craig Mackail-Smith.

However, Cook said: “You definitely need that, competition for yourself and for the league itself.

“You always need at least four strikers I think if you’re going to really compete and it looks like we’ve got some very good strikers on the books.

“Hopefully we can all contribute goals through the season as that will make a massive difference.”

Although Jones was in charge of the U21s during Cook’s time at the Valley, the forward always knew it wouldn’t be long before he took a manager’s job.

He said: “I think everyone had seen it quite early, just the way his sessions are, it’s how you want to play football.

“He’s really passionate about football, really passionate, so if he got a chance to become a manager, he was always going to take that step.”

Although Cook is well aware Luton will need to mix it up at times, he believes Hatters can go about their League Two season in real style.

He said: “That’s what I’ve heard, it’s all about playing football and getting in behind and doing it the right way.

“I think we’ve got that side, although we can switch it up and make it a bit nasty at times too.

So if needs be, we can do both ways, especially in the winter season when the pitches aren’t as good as they would be.”