Luton boost defensive ranks

Luton Town have signed defender Connor Essam on a one-month loan deal from Gillingham.

The 20-year-old made 18 appearances for the League Two side last term, but has struggled to establish himself in the first team this season and boss Martin Allen has now decided to loan him out to get experience. Hatters boss Paul Buckle has been looking for defensive reinforcements for much of the summer and is confident that Essam can fill the void during his short spell at Kenilworth Road. "It's safe to say we're a bit light in the central defensive department," Buckle said. "In Connor we've got someone who had League Two experience last season and did very well. "He's a proper centre-half who likes to attack the ball and, at this level, an aerial presence is vital," he added.