Kal Naismith makes admission over new Luton Town role ahead of Cardiff City clash

Luton Town defender Kal Naismith has admitted it was a lot tougher playing in midfield against Nottingham Forest on Friday than in his normal defensive role.

The Hatters have injuries to a number of midfielders at present, meaning boss Nathan Jones was forced to get creative with his line up for the Reds visit to Kenilworth Road.

That saw Naismith deployed in a defensive midfield role, and the Scotsman says it was more difficult playing further up the pitch.

“It was okay, I’ve played a number of positions, I’ve never really played that one, but defensive midfield, it’s just one step up from centre half.” Naismith said, via Luton Today when asked about how he felt after his change of role during the match.

“Anywhere on the pitch I believe I’ll be okay, but it’s a lot tougher.

“You’ve got bodies in behind you here, there and everywhere, centre half you can see the game.

“I’ve played 35 games there, that is my position, but the manager needed me there and I was fine to play there.”

It was a great victory for the Hatters in the end, with Naismith’s goal from the penalty spot enough to earn Luton Town an important three points.

It remains to be seen whether or not Naismith will once again be asked to play in midfield against Cardiff City this afternoon, but he admitted it was physically challenging to play there in the hot weather the country experienced on Good Friday.

“I went in at half time and maybe it was the change in positions, I did a lot more running, but it was just mentally exhausting in that heat.” he explained.

“That’s the hottest its been this year. I was just trying to get fluids in at half time, but I felt just done in coming out for the second half.”

“It was the same for them, so it was just about gritting