Luton mulling over cutting midfielder’s loan stay short at Charlton Athletic

Luton Town are looking into recalling Louie Watson from his loan at Charlton Athletic.

The 22-year-old joined the League One club in the summer transfer window.

But the South London Press understands that the Hatters could cut short his stay due to his lack of game time recently under head coach Michael Appleton.

Watson has not started a League One match since the 2-2 draw at Portsmouth at the end of November. His last start came in the 2-0 FA Cup reverse at Gillingham.

Charlton academy product Karoy Anderson started ahead of him in the defeat at Bristol Rovers last time out and he is once again benched for today’s home game against Oxford United.

“Louie has gone through a tough period,” said Appleton after the loss to the Gas, when asked about the decision to go with Anderson. “His form hasn’t been good.

“He’s struggled to make an impact off the bench. When he started a couple of cup games he was poor. These things do happen with young players. You’ve got to allow him to come through that.

“If his performance levels improve in training and in the bits that he comes on the pitch then he might get a start.”

Watson has made 21 appearances in total, six of those have been starts in the league.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD