Hatters midfielder Tunnicliffe praised by Luton boss for stepping in at such short notice

Ryan Tunnicliffe tries to get away from his man during last night's 0-0 draw with Reading

Town boss Nathan Jones praised midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe for his performance after he was a late inclusion into the Hatters team against Reading on Wednesday night.

The original teamsheet had Luke Berry down to start with Luton naming an unchanged side from the XI who beat Watford 1-0 at the weekend.

However, moments before kick-off, the former Cambridge player pulled out with a knock, as Tunnicliffe took his place, playing just over 70 minutes before being replaced by Glen Rea.

Jones said: “He (Berry) had an injury after the (Watford) game so he was struggling.

"He didn’t train yesterday, but I trusted him, I said 'up to you, your choice, you tell me if you’re ready'.

"He said 'yes', so we had no thought about it and then I found out really, really late.

"Credit to Ryan, he came in at the last minute and that shows that the squad that we have, they have to train at the level as you never know when you’re going to be needed, going to be used.

"He showed that he was ready as I thought we were excellent first half.

"There was no hangover (from beating Watford) and we were right after it, bar a touch of quality, we would have won that comfortably.”

Team-mate Kal Naismith was also impressed by the impact the ex-Manchester United youngster had at such short notice, adding: “Bez comes in and plays unbelievable against Watford, gets a niggle tonight, so Tunni comes in as a late replacement.

"He’s brilliant again, so all the lads just playing their part are brilliant.”