Luton Town have recalled young goalkeeper Harry Isted from non-league Wealdstone United following a shoulder injury to Simon Sluga during Saturday's heavy defeat away to Cardiff City as the keeper slipped after clearing a backpass. 

Sluga has been almost ever present for the Hatters thus far and will no doubt be a big loss for the Kenilworth Road side, however Isted has impressed whilst out on loan at Wealdstone, culminating in an impressive double save away at Notts County last Friday, which underlined the improvements that the 23-year-old has been making to his all round game.

The news of Isted's sooner than expected return to the Hatters was confirmed recently by Wealdstone boss Dean Brennan, who stated the following to the Kilburn Times about the keeper's situation:

“We’ve got a bit of bad news with the goalie situation as Harry Isted has been re-called by Luton Town, as they’ve got an injury in their goalkeeping department. 

“We’re on the search for a goalkeeper. He’s a young goalie, he’s had some really good performances, and he’s had some below-par performances as he’s young and learning his trade.

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“He was outstanding on Friday, some of the saves he made were incredible, but it is what it is and we need to see if we can find one by 5pm today.

“We won’t be able to get him back until January now, that will be the issue, as it breaks the loan. Football can change very quickly, we’ve got about eight games until January, we’ve got some big games.”

Isted made a total of 11 appearances for the Stones prior to his return to Luton, racking up two clean sheets in the process for the National League side.

The Verdict 

This is a great opportunity for Isted to really prove himself at the top level under Nathan Jones, with the young keeper having only made two Papa John's Trophy appearances for the club prior to being loaned out.

As was seen against Notts County last Friday, Isted certainly has the ability to make it as a top goalkeeper one day, however the Championship will surely to prove to be a different kettle of fish entirely.

Isted will be expected to compete with James Shea for the vacant number one spot following Sluga's injury and a s a result he could well be thrust straight into the limelight over the duration of December in what is a traditionally hectic fixture schedule.

The time is now for the former Southampton stopper to make his mark in a Luton shirt and at the age of 23, he may not get a better chance than this.