In Focus: Luton hanging their Hat on goal machine Morris

Luton are set to face their toughest challenge of the last 30 years as they return to the top flight for the first time since the 1991-92 season.

Rob Edwards relied on 27-year-old Carlton Morris to help push the Hatters' promotion charge, but the former Watford manager will need his No9 to go above and beyond in 2023-24.

As Luton prepare for a new beginning, we take a look at the formidable striker in more detail.

Star signing

Morris seemed right at home when he signed for Luton in the summer of 2022.

The Cambridge-born talisman bagged 20 Championship goals for the Hatters last term, earning him a nomination for the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award.

And Morris has shown he is capable of doing more than just scoring.

The former Barnsley man tallied six assists and formed a lethal partnership with Elijah Adebayo, which was instrumental in helping Luton to a third-place finish.

Only two players netted more times in the Championship than the 6ft 1in poacher and his run of nine goals in his last 15 matches is a sure sign that he is ready for the step up to the Premier League.

The perfect striker

Former head coach Nathan Jones, who was responsible for bringing Morris to Kenilworth Road, has kept a close eye on him since he departed the club in November 2022.

He said: "I followed his career for a while, but the way we finished last year, we needed at that time to add quality and to go up a level and we felt that he could do that.

"He's not just a big man, he's got good feet, great character, great around the place and has proven to be one of the best players in the Championship this year.

"I think he was one of the final pieces to the jigsaw."

Top-flight test

Morris' physicality will give him the upper hand in the Premier League where he will have to hold his own against some of Europe's elite defenders.

The ex-MK Dons forward is also adept when it comes to moving with the ball and picking the right pass.

His precision in transition proved a handful for most Championship sides last term and he was always aware of where his partner Adebayo was on the pitch.

Whether he is on the end of a pass or delivering the ball into the box himself, Morris has proven over the last year that he can always lead Luton into battle with a winning mentality.

Home again

Luton fans can rest easy knowing that Morris feels at home in Bedfordshire and they will be hoping he can carry his form into the new campaign.

Reflecting on the season, he said: I'm delighted with my goal tally this season to be honest.

"I've found home at a lot of places where I've been. It’s really tough at the start, but it's something that builds you, not just as a footballer but as a character and a person as well.

"I have loved it here and it does feel like home."

If Morris is able to hit the ground running in the Premier League, then the Luton faithful will be hoping that he sticks around for many more years to come.