Doyle delighted to be with Hatters for the long haul

The 28-year-old, who joined Luton in September last year, will now be at Kenilworth Road until at least the summer of 2018.

On the deal, Doyle said: “I’m very happy, it’s always nice to be appreciated by the club and I’m delighted with the new contract.

“Them giving me a two and half year deal shows the faith they have in me.”

Doyle has made 43 appearances for the club so far and highlighted his importance to the squad when he was named Player of the Season last term.

Manager John Still said: Nathan’s done well since he’s been here and we miss him when he doesn’t play.

“He’s an important player for us, a good player and it was a no-brainer re-signing him on to a new deal, we’re all pleased with that.”

Doyle has been restricted to just seven starts this season, as he has struggled with injury and is currently nursing a knock to his ankle, although could be back in action by the end of the month.

He believes the minor niggles picked up by the likes of himself and Craig Mackail-Smith, along with other longer term absences has affected Town’s progress, saying: “It’s about partnerships all over the pitch as we’ve had people coming in and people going out.

“It upsets the balance a little bit but we are good enough to get on and play our best week in week, there shouldn’t be any excuses.”

Hatters are 11th in the table but have won their past three games in all competitions.

Victory at Stevenage on Saturday could see them climb to sixth in the table, ahead of another home game with Carlisle on Tuesday night.

With that in mind, Doyle is still hugely confident the aim of promotion can be achieved, adding: “I see training day in day out and the lads we’ve got here are quality.

“The aim is to be promoted, whether it’s automatic or through the play-offs.

“We’re mid-table, but if you look we’re only six points off third and things change quickly in this league.

“If we put a run together we can be right up there, if we lose a couple we could be right down there.

“But with the energy and positivity in the squad, I’m sure we can be right up there soon.”