Luton Town boss Graeme Jones hails ‘fantastic’ former Derby County midfielder Jacob Butterfield and told Luton Today he is extremely close to a first team recall.
Butterfield joined Luton in the summer on a free transfer following his Derby release.
The Rams spent £4.5 million to sign him back in 2015. However, his time at the club didn’t go as planned and Derby were happy to see him go at the end of his four-year contract.
Luton picked him up on a free. And boss Graeme Jones believes he has improved as a player with the Hatters as he talks up his qualities ahead of the trip to Preston.
Jacob’s an excellent footballer, so I don’t mind him in games being behind the ball. I love him on the ball, he’s fantastic and he’s improved his level off the ball massively, it’s just got to be the right game for him and then we’ll take it from there. He’s been very good in training.
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What happened to Jacob Butterfield at Derby County?
Butterfield joined Derby from Huddersfield Town in 2015.
With Will Hughes and Craig Bryson out with long-term injuries, Derby spent big at the time to sign him and he alongside Bradley Johnson raised expectations at the club.
The Rams were gunning for promotion in 2015-16. Butterfield played his part, scoring twice in a 2-0 win at promotion rivals Hull City in what was one of his best games.
The 29-year-old scored seven goals in 29 starts that season. However, he struggled for the ensuing three years of his contract and had spells out on loan.
Butterfield’s move to Luton provided a fresh start. So far, he has started eight Championship games and his manager’s public backing will give him an extra boost.
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Also see: Derby boss confirms club seek January deal for talented U21 international