GOAL-happy and top of the table for four days, Luton Town could only kick their heels on Tuesday, October 9, when they were knocked off their perch as third division league leaders by Rochdale, who won 1-0 at Swansea.

But it has not disheartened manager Joe Kinnear, who is still adding to his squad, and hopes to have another striker on the books by the time the Hatters set off for Scunthorpe United on Saturday, October 13.

Another un-named French trialist is the target, and if he is half as good as Jean-Louis Valois, the midfielder picked up from Lille, the fans will be well pleased.

The left winger had another super game as Luton hit five goals for the second consecutive home match, this time to destroy Darlington 5-2. Valois scored again his third goal in four matches, and every one a cracker.

With 28 goals in 12 outings, Luton are the third division's top marksmen, despite having leading scorer Carl Griffiths sidelined by injury.

Dean Crowe's arrival on loan from Stoke City has plugged that gap two goals in two games and he knows the pressure is on him to deliver if he is to earn a contract when his month is up.

Meanwhile, Croatian midfielder Ahmet Brkovic, 27, has been signed on a three-month deal after impressing in trials, and could be involved at Scunthorpe.

He can blame the World Cup for being robbed of the chance of a Luton debut against Darlington the paperwork for his transfer from Leyton Orient was not done until Thursday afternoon, which ruled him out of the Friday night match.

"If we had still been playing on Saturday, he would have been involved," said Kinnear. "He's good on the ball, and has an eye for goal, and he can give us balance on the right."

He is also handy to have around while Aaron Skelton and Paul Hughes are on the injured list, for one and three months respectively.

Brkovic, who has scored twice in four starts for the reserves, is likely to be added to the squad to travel to Scunthorpe.

October 11, 2001 19:05

By Brian Swain