Beckwith can’t wait to put on a Hatters shirt

The Hatters travel to Hitchin for their first pre-season friendly and the capture from Northampton Town is champing at the bit to get going.

He said: “It will be nice to put on the Luton shirt and get my first game out of the way and I can settle down.

“I’m looking forward to it and then going away Sunday for three games in Wales.

“I know we will be ready for the season.”

Despite being a regular for the Cobblers in League Two last season, the 6ft 2ins defender knows he will have to prove himself in pre-season to cement his place in the side for the forthcoming campaign.

He said: “I’m hoping to come in and play, but I’ve got to prove myself to the manager and other team-mates. I want to play as many games as I can for Luton.

“I’ve just got to work hard pre-season.

“We have our first game Friday night and hopefully I can impress in the game and keep working hard in training and earn a place in the back four.”

The 27-year-old centre-half played 42 times last term, scoring three goals and has well over 200 senior appearances to his name during his time at the Cobblers, Hereford, Dagenham & Redbridge and Gillingham.

He hopes he will be able to pass on his knowledge to some of Town’s younger players and also believes they have a good balance of youth and maturity.

Beckwith continued: “There’s some experience at the back and young Alex (Lacey) coming through – he is young but a good player. I would like to think I bring experience to the back four.

“We have a good mix of youth and experience and we will have a good back four whoever plays in the team.”

Beckwith enjoyed Luton’s recent ‘boot camp’ in Ayrshire and revealed he has been made to feel very welcome by his new team-mates.

He added: “It’s been tough. We were doing double session in Scotland, but we weren’t just being flogged and run and run.

“We were doing some high tempo sessions mixed in.

“I know this is where you get your base and ground work in pre-season. We’ve had the balls out every day other than the first day.

“So far it’s been a good experience and the lads have made me feel really welcome. Everyone seems to be a tight bunch.”