Former Villa defender Bree will be like a new signing for the Hatters

Luton defender James Bree will be like a new acquisition for the Hatters over the second half of the season according to boss Nathan Jones.

The 23-year-old arrived on a permanent deal from Aston Villa in the summer following a loan move to Luton last term which really kicked into gear after lockdown and once Nathan Jones has been reappointed as manager

He picked up a knee injury on his third appearance during the 2-1 win over Derby County in September though and then only made two league starts before missing another month.

However Bree was back in from the start against Reading on Saturday, playing for an hour, and then followed that up with another start during Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat to QPR.

Jones said: “He’s like a new signing, because he’s been really bit part.

“He came in, didn’t have a pre-season because of his situation with Aston Villa, so the time he did come in, we were just playing him against Reading (in the Carabao Cup), then he picked up an injury which really set him back, as he was in and bitty.

“Now we’ve pulled him out of everything totally, got him right, he’s built into training and he played 10 minutes more than he should have (against Reading on Saturday).

“We were going to pull him off at 45, but because of certain things it would have been wrong to ask Jordan (Clark) to do 45, so we’re delighted to have him back, and it’s like a new signing.”

Bree certainly did have an impact at the weekend too, flying up down the right flank, particularly during the first half.

He grabbed an assist too, with his high and hanging cross volleyed home by George Moncur for the winner, with the midfielder adding: “He’s quality James.

“I played with him at Barnsley, played against him when he was at Aston Villa and I've always thought he was different class.

“It’s just about them getting his minutes up and you can see the quality he’s got, but if you get him really fit, he’s unreal.”