Joe Royle praised Town's team spirit after the Blues defeated Luton 1-0 at Portman Road. Ian Westlake scored the winning goal in the 69th minute having been dropped to the bench after a disappointing performance at Hull City on Wednesday.

Royle said that Jason De Vos typified the determination in his squad: "It was a fantastic win and no one can question the spirit in the team. Jason De Vos played the second half with a dead leg and we were thinking of taking him off at the interval.

"We have picked up more injuries; Dean Bowditch took a knock on his hip, Sito has an ankle injury and Danny Haynes took a knock on his knee. De Vos, Bowditch and Sito all look like missing Monday's visit to Stoke."

The Blues are already without Sam Parkin (broken ankle), Billy Clarke (dislocated elbow), Vemund Brekke Skard (now eligible to play but recovering from a groin operation), Darryl Knights (ankle) and Richard Naylor (one-match suspension), while Gavin Williams and Nicky Forster are expected to miss the trip to the Britannia Stadium with knee problems. Kevin Horlock and Adam Proudlock are both on the way back after knee injuries but Monday's game is likely to come too soon for them.

Royle was pleased that Portman Road got behind the players albeit with limited volume: "Our crowd was quiet at times but there was no carping at the players. We need the crowd behind us because there will be better times to come.

"It's not hard to see why Luton have done so well. They are full of confidence and remind me of my Oldham team. They are a team in every sense of the word."

The Town boss paid tribute to both his young keepers after the game: "In Supple and Lewis Price, we have two of the best young goalkeepers in the league. These lads have exceptional talent and Shane is great at crosses and has terrific quick feet."

Royle felt that scorer Westlake reacted well to being dropped: "He came back and proved a point. When he plays like he did today, with all his running, he is a great asset to us."

Luton boss Mike Newell is frustrated at his side's poor form away from Kenilworth Road: "It's a bit disappointing but we don't seem to show the same belief and confidence in away matches as we do at home. It's a confidence thing.

"We created enough chances and were comfortable on the ball but we play differently away and I just don't understand it.

"People look at our away results and say our form is not good. In fact, our away form is good, but it's the results we are not getting. We have got a decent side that could be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."

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