With Luton having a number of academy graduates on their bench in recent weeks due to a huge injury list at Kenilworth Road, the latest to be included was defender Christian Chigozie, who is still just 16-years-old and taking his GCSEs this summer.
Although the teenager hasn't been called upon by boss Rob Edwards for a taste of first team action yet, if he did get on, he would be one of the youngest players to ever represent the Hatters in a senior game. The Luton News has put together a gallery of the 15 youngest players to do so in the club’s history and to find out who they are, see below.
5. Charlie Smith: 16 years, 137 days
Midfielder was introduced as a substitute in the 3-0 FA Trophy replay win over Hinckley United at Kenilworth United by boss Gary Brabin on January 23, 2012 for what was the first of his three run-outs for the Hatters. Went to Dunstable Town, Barton Rovers, Hendon and Biggleswade Town after leaving Luton, before heading to Real Bedford in the summer where he has just won the SSML Premier Division title. Photo: Hatters Heritage
6. Matt Upson: 16 years, 204 days
The centre half made his Luton debut under Terry Westley in the 2-1 Anglo-Italian Cup defeat to Cesena on November 8, 1995. Had one more substitute appearance before being snapped up by Arsenal and went on to have an illustrious career, playing for the likes of Birmingham City, West Ham, Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion, also winning 21 caps for England. Now retired from playing and is a successful pundit. Photo: Hatters Heritage
7. Luke Trotman: 16 years, 207 days
Started the 1-0 defeat at Cambridge United in the FA Trophy on January 14, 2014, when selected by John Still in what was his only ever appearance for the Hatters. Left in July 2016 and went to Nuneaton and then Darlington before appearing on TV show Love Island in 2020. Photo: Hatters Heritage
8. Newman Carney: 16 years, 266 days
Like Cauley Woodrow, he was given his Luton debut by Richard Money in the 2-1 FA Trophy win at Welling United on December 14, 2010. Also came off the bench in the following round win against Uxbridge, but didn't feature again for the Hatters, leaving the club a few years later. Played for a number of local teams including AFC Dunstable after his departure from Kenilworth Road. Photo: Hatters Heritage