‘WHISTLE BLOWS, SO FEELINGS GO’

BOURNEMOUTH manager Andoni Iraola is confident his players will stay focused against Luton tonight during what is expected to be an emotional occasion.

The Premier League game is the rearranged fixture from December 16, abandoned when Hatters captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Iraola (left, with Luton boss Rob Edwards on that night) is happy to see Lockyer making a recovery, but feels when the game kicks off, everyone will have their mind on producing the required performance.

“I have been a player and when the referee whistles at the start of the game, you focus as you have difficult things to do,” said Iraola.

“You think about the football stuff and the opponent you have. The players will be focused on the football side because they are used to it.” Bournemouth fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Sheffield United on Saturday, with a stoppage-time equaliser from Enes Unal.

Iraola is expecting just as stern a test against the Hatters, who could lift themselves out of the relegation zone if they win.

“Luton and almost all of the teams, we are in a battle. All of the teams need the points,” he said. “They are a team that have changed a little bit since the last time we played them here, they are much more aggressive in the press and are keeping more possession.

“We have to prepare for a very different game than against Sheffield United.”

Dominic Solanke had not trained fully in the run-up to the Blades game as he managed a knee issue, but should feature again.