Luton Town manager Graeme Jones has given his thoughts on makeshift right-back Luke Bolton after he was brought back into the role for Saturday's clash with Preston North End.

Jones tinkered with his squad, ditching his prefered diamond midfield for more width, and although the match ended in a 2-1 defeat, he still saw plenty of positives from the right-back.

"Luke Bolton I thought was very, very competitive as a right back," he said in an interview with Dunstable Today.

“Remember he’s still learning his trade.

"I see him tuck round on the cover now a lot more, it takes a few mistakes and a little bit of time and a little bit of working with people to see improvement and that’s a pleasing aspect."

Kazenga Lualua, Callum McManaman and Jacob Butterfield were all brought into the XI as well as Bolton whilst Harry Cornick, Andrew Shinnie, Alan Sheehan and Ryan Runnicliffe were all among those to drop to the bench,

Paul Gallagher gave Alex Neil's side the lead just five minutes into proceedings in Lancashire, reacting quickest after James Shea had denied him from the penaly spot.

But James Collins ensured that the visitors would not go into the break disheartened, levelling proceedings with a penalty of his own just two minutes before half-times.

It was not to be, however as Jayden Stockley secured all three points for North End with just six minutes of the 90 left to play.

QUIZ: Can you remember the outcome of Luton’s last 15 Boxing Day matches?

The verdict

It has been a bit of a risk from Jones to try and turn Bolton into a right-back in what was always going to be a tightly fought season for the Hatters.

James Justin and Jack Stacey were both so reliable down either side for Luton last season that it was always going to be tricky to find adequate replacements, however.

It would be great to see it pay off for the boss though. He is clearly keen to improve the club and it would be good to see that ambition rewarded.