Lawrence not included in pre-season trip to Asia
Hatters boss Jack Wilshere insists Luton remain ‘in the conversation’ over a return to Kenilworth Road for Manchester City youngster Emilio Lawrence, stating a second stint with the club would definitely ‘benefit’ the Scottish U21 international.
Emilio Lawrence in action for the Hatters last season - pic: David Horn / PRiME Media Imagesplaceholder image
Emilio Lawrence in action for the Hatters last season - pic: David Horn / PRiME Media Images
Having moved to Bedfordshire on loan in January, the 20-year-old went on to enjoy a brilliant time of it with Luton, scoring twice in 21 outings, including in the Vertu Trophy final victory over Stockport County, with five assists as well. He headed back to the Etihad in the summer, with Wilshere making it clear a month or so ago that he would like to re-sign the youngster this term, doubling down on that following the 5-0 win over Hitchin Town by stating securing a left-winger and a striker were two of his priorities.
West Ham’s Callum Marshall filled the number nine void last week, while it appeared Wilshere’s hopes of bringing in Lawrence as well received a boost when he was left out of City’s 28-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia. Asked this afternoon about the chances of Town kicking off their League One campaign with the attacker back in their squad, he said: “Everyone knows what I think of Emilio, and for him, first of all his development last year, it was clear for everyone to see.
"I think he would benefit from coming back, I know we would benefit from him coming back as well, but at the moment he’s a Man City player, he’s working there in pre-season. I've been speaking with him as we have a good relationship. That was probably in his head, as I think it was always the plan that he would he would go on loan.
"It's not necessarily a bad thing that he's gone there (the Etihad) and he's probably now in week five of pre-season, working at a top class club with top class players. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I think it is probably getting to the decision time for him. And yeah, we're in that conversation.”