Seagulls youngster eager to link up with Luton boss Jones again

The 21-year-old had been tipped for a move to Kenilworth Road ever since Jones, who was Rea’s coach at Brighton, took over back in January.

The deal was finally done last Thursday, with Rea thrown straight into the starting line-up against Plymouth Argyle at the weekend.

On his decision to leave the Championship for League Two, Rea said: “It’s a massive club and I think the club’s on the up.

“They’ve got a chance for play-offs this season, pushing for promotion, and knowing the gaffer was a big factor for me too. I just want to come and play some games, help the team.”

Jones himself was clearly thrilled to capture the Republic of Ireland U21 international, saying: “Glen was someone we wanted to bring in for probably six weeks, but had to wait as Brighton had injury worries and he was too close to the first team.

“But Glen’s a player I really like, in fact I love him.

“He’s the type, the ilk, desire, wants to do well, technically good, works hard, the type we want here, athletic, fit, brilliant.

“How he coped on his debut at Home Park was nothing short of outstanding.”

On hearing such a glittering review from his new manager, Rea said: “It gives me massive confidence and the relationship that we have just makes me want to go out there and do well for the team, for the fans, for him.

“I just want to do well in my time here.”

After witnessing Jones’ coaching expertise at close quarters on the training field at the Amex, Rea felt it was no surprise he had made such a promising start to life as a number one.

He said: “I felt he was unreal as a coach, so to come to work for him as a manager is even better.

“He took charge of two games at Brighton and did really well, so I knew he had the capability of being a manager.

“In his time here he’s shown he can hack it as a manager and do really well as a manager, so hopefully he can take the club forward.”

Although Rea’s contract at Brighton runs out at end of the season, he wasn’t giving anything away as to where his future lies, adding: “I’m here to the end of the season and we’ll see what happens, anything can happen in football.”

“I jsut do my best, any time Im out on the pitch, hopefullt thats good enough.